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BIOGRAPHY 



OF THE 



CLASS OK 1838 



OF 



Princeton College. 






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BIOGRAPHY 



OF THE 



CLASS OF 1838 



OF the; 



COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, 



AT PRINCETON, N. J. » 



" So HEi<p MF God, during thf time of my administration, 

Princeton' SHAI<I< keep faith with the dead." — From P>-esidetit Patton' s 
Inaugural Address. 



PREPARKD BY 

tVIIvI^IAM EDWARD SCHENCK, D.D. 
At tlie request of his Surviving Classmates. 



PHILADELPHIA, PA: 

JAS. B. RODGKRS PRINTING CO., 54 N. SIXTH STREJET. 
1889. 



a^toO'^ 



X 






ROLL OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 



GRADUATK MEMBERS. 

NAME AND ADDRESS. PAGE 

ABERT, JAMBS WILLIAM . • Newport, Ky. 26 

ALEXANDER, SAMUEL DA VIES . 153 East 78th St., N. Y. City 29 

* ALLEN, JAMES MADISON. . 32 

ALLEN, WILLIAM TEMPLE . . Gaylord P. O., Clarke Co., Va. 34 

BEACH, BLOOMFIELD JERVIS Rome, N. Y. 36 

* BEACH, ZENAS LINDSLEY 38 

BEARDSLEY, CHARLES SHEPARD, 292 North St., Auburn, N. Y. 39 

* BELLOWS, CHARLES THEODORE • - • 4i 

* BERRIEN, JAMES LEWORTHY . 41 

*BLANEY, JAMES VAN ZANDT 42 

*BLACKWELL, CLAYTON 45 

* BRANCH, LAWRENCE O'BRIAN 47 

* BURTON, JOHN WILLIS 5° 

CAMPBELL, ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD 

Loch Raven, Baltimore Co., Md. 51 



* Deceased. 

3 



4 Roiviv OF the; CI.ASS OP 1838. 

NAME AND ADDRESS. PAGE 

*CARPKR, JAMES SAMUElv 53 

*CAZENOVE, WIIvLIAM GARDNER ............. 54 

CLARKE, EDWARD SAMUEIv . 712 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa. 56 

*CIvAWSON, WIIvIvIAM SHINN. ............... 58 

* COBB, HENRY LAWRENCE 59 

*CONKI.ING, EIvISHA WHITAKER • 60 

*COOK, LEWIS CONDICT • 61 

* CORY, JONATHAN 63 

CUMMINS, JAMES STARKE LANE 

. Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Pa. 64 

* CUNNINGHAM, JAMES HAWTHORN . 66 

*DANDRIDGE, ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD ......... 67 

*DAVIS, JOSEPH HOLMES 71 

*DOD, WILLIAM ARMSTRONG 72 

* EAGER, JOHN McAULEY 73 

*EYRE, MAHLON DICKERSON 76 

* PRICK, ARTHUR WILLIAM 78 

* FUNSTEN, DAVID 79 

*GIBBS, JOSIAH WILLARD 81 

* GULICK, JOHN STORY . 82 

*HALSTED, OLIVER SPENCER (2d) ............ . 84 

* HOLLYDAY, WILLIAM MURRAY 86 

*HORNBLOWER, WILLIAM HENRY 87 

* Deceased. 



ROLIv OF the; CI.ASS OF 1 838. 5 

NAME AND ABDRESS. PAGE 

*JACKSON, JOHN SIMS 89 

*JAMISGN, ANDREW SIMPSON 91 

JEMISON, WILLIAM HENRY, East Lake P. O., Jefferson Co., Ala. 92 

*JOHNSON, DANIEL 95 

*JONES, GEORGE CROW 97 

*LEONARD, ABRAHAM FAW 98 

LITTLE, THEODORE Morristown, N. J. 99 

Mcknight, lewis . . . 486 Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, wis. 102 

*McREE, GRIFFITH JOHN .*. . . 103 

MONTGOMERY, THOMAS COLEMAN 

213 Powers Building, Rochester, N. Y. 104 

NEWBOLD, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS ..... Bordentown, N. J. 106 

* PATTERSON, MALCOM ALFRED 107 

PENDLETON, ELISHA BOYD 

Berkeley Springs, Morgan Co., W. Va. 109 

PERRINE, LEWIS Trenton, N. J. iii 

*PORTER, ABNER ADDISON. 113 

*PURNELL, THOMAS RICHARD 117 

*REDIN, RICHARD WILLIAM 119 

*RICE, JOHN HOLT 120 

*RICHEY, ROBERT THEODORE 122 

* RIDGWAY, CHARLES DANIEL 123 

* ROGERS, WILLIAM HENRY LUTTRELL 124 

* Deceased. 



6 ROI,!, OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

NAME AND ADDRESS. PAGE 

ROWAN, EDWARD STEPHEN . 272 Ainslie St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 125 

* SAWYER, ROBERT WOOD 127 

SCHENCK, WIIvLIAM EDWARD 

4006 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 128 

*SCUDDER, AMOS ...................... i35 

* SEAMAN, I^EONARD WILLIAM. 136 

*SHERRERD, SAMUEL i37 

* SMITH, JOHN IRWIN 138 

SMITH, WILLIAM ASA 201 Prospect St., Trenton, N. J. 140 

*VAN ARSDALE, HENRY . 142 

*VAN WYCK, CORNELIUS C 144 

*VAUGHAN, BENJAMIN BOISSEAU 145 

*WALL, JAMES WALTER 147 

*WATKINS, JOEL THOMAS 149 

*WEEKS, SAMUEL G 150 

*WHITELEY, WILLIAM GUSTAVUS . ............ 151 

* WILLIAMS, LEWIS JEFEERY 153 

* WILLIAMS, SAMUEL GER ALDUS 155 

WOODHULL, HENRY WILLIAM BECK 

124 Berkeley Place, Brooklyn, N, Y. 157 

* Deceased. 



ROIvI. OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 



NON-GRADUATB MEMBERS. 

NAME AND ADDRESS. PAGE 

*ANCRUM, THOMAS JAMBS 163 

BARRETT, RUFUS KING, Bedford Station, Westchester Co., N. Y. 164 

*BONHAM, JOHN ELLIS 165 

*BOYD, WILLIAM ARMSTRONG •. . . . 167 

BOYKIN, EDWARD MORTIMER Camden, S. C. 167 

* BRANCH, JOHN RICHARD 169 

* BROWN, LUTHER 170 

*BRUEN, JAMES McWHORTER 171 

COMFORT, FRANCIS MARION, Woodville, Wilkinson Co., Miss. 173 

* COOKE, PATRICK HENRY i74 

*EASON, WILLIAM C I75 

* EYRE, MANUEL 176 

* HAMILTON, WILLIAM I77 

*JOHNSON, JAMES STEVEN 178 

*LEWIS, ELISHA JARRETT I79 

*LONDON, JOHN LORD • • • 180 

McKAY, NEILL • ^^^ 

• Deceased. 



o ROI.I. OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

NAME AND ADDRESS. PAGE 

*McKNIGHT, ROBERT 182 

REED, SAMUEL 105 South Front St., Philadelphia, Pa. 184 

*ROUGET, PETER 184 

*SATTERFIELD, GEORGE WILLIAM BOZMAN 187 

*SNEEDEN, HUDSON S. ................... 188 

* STEWART, SAMUEL GRIFFIN CAMPBELL 189 

* TAYLOR, HENRY PORTERFIELD 190 

VAN GIESEN, MORRELL . . 75 Washington St., Geneva, N. Y. 191 
WADDELL, JAMES ADDISON, Roxbury, Charles City County, Va. 193 

*WELLING, ISAAC WATTS 194 

WINTHROP, WILLIAM HENRY New London, Conn. 195 

WIRT, DABNEY CARR . . . Oak Grove, Westmoreland Co., Va. 196 

* Deceased. 



HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 



It is not intended in this Httle book to claim for the Class 
of 1838 any special superiority over other classes which have 
preceded and have followed it. It only asks that this be re- 
membered and honored as one of many excellent classes 
which have gone forth from our Alma Mater. Its chief at- 
traction, in the eyes of its surviving members, is tftit it is our 
class. 

One object in the preparation of this little work is to recall 
to ourselves the old memories and associations of college 
times, and thus, in a measure, to enjoy again the delights of 
that halcyon period of human life — a period whose recollec- 
tions are now mellowed by the lapse of half a century, and 
made more sacred by the havoc death has wrought among 
the associates of those days. Here let me quote a few sen- 
tences from the pen of Judge William Patterson, the distin- 
guished author of "The Biography of the Class of 1835," in 
which he expresses, in tender and poetic language, the very 
feeling which prompted (in part) the preparation of this simi- 
lar work : 

" It is difficult to convey to the uninitiated an idea of the feelings and 
associations aroused by college memories. Strong at all times to the 
individual who can cherish aspirations other than those of a nature 
purely selfish, they culminate, when, after the lapse of many years, the 
few who remain nearing the ultima thule of the' downward slope meet, 
perhaps to come together nevermore on this side of The River, to talk of 
what always will be clothed in the freshness of green— of dream-hfe and 
a border land without a limit or a shore, and tell the same old story 
told in the heretofore and to be told in the hereafter, yet varied in infin- 
ity as the leaves upon the grass or sands by the murmuring ocean tides. 
There is a sentiment of Free Masonry connected with such associations, 

9 



10 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI,ASS OF 1 83 8. 

incomprehensible to those never initiated in those inner mysteries, and 
it is but the manifestation of a higher tone and more mellowed growth, 
that this fellowship is ceasing to be regarded with the harsh sneers of 
derision cast over it in the primitive days of a stern utilitarianism. * * * * 
Life, or what remains of it on earth, will be no worse to those who can 
find pleasure in the dreamy recollection of past memories and associa- 
tions : it is more likely that the future, however short, could be contem- 
plated with a fuller faith and better aspirations. And as memory wan- 
ders back and recalls the many thoughtless gayeties that strewed its 
pathway with summer flowers, it finds a resting-place, soft and green, 
where life was a happy scene of innocent amusement, and the fleeting 
visions that have passed from before us seem almost to stay in our 
presence forever." 

. Another object in this work, and many may think it a more 
practical one, is to make a small contribution to the coming 
." Biography of Princeton College." The true wealth and 
glory of such an institution must be sought in its Alumni. 
Let her treasure their memories and carefully preserve their 
personal histories, and thus enable herself more and more 
proudly to say to the world " These are my jewels," We do 
earnestly hope that the time is not far distant, but very near 
at hand, when our Alma Mater may be able to secure the ser- 
vices of a competent man, with a genius for such work and 
an enthusiastic devotion to it, whose whole time shall be 
given to gathering from every accessible source, to arranging 
and to preserving, all that can be learned of her Alumni from 
the very beginning. Doubtless much valuable material has 
already perished, and more is perishing every year. Let 
what yet remains be gathered and preserved in a biographical 
form. From this, largely, a fitting History of the College 
may be produced hereafter. If any one would learn how 
much can be done in a limited period, and that by a city pas- 
tor weighted with multitudinous cares and duties, let him 
examine the volume entitled " Princeton College in the Eight- 
eenth Century',' prepared by the Rev. Samuel Davies Alex- 
ander, D.D , of this Class of 1838. It contains an invaluable 
treasure of facts about the Alumni of the last century. Before 
laying aside his pen. Dr. Alexander most truthfully says in 
his eloquent Preface : — " The history of a College is best read 
in the lives of her sons. The history of the changes which 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. H 

occur in her government and instruction is too contracted in 
its nature. To take in the grand sweep of her influence we 
must follow her sons as they go forth into the world to mould 
and direct the elements that surround them." And again: 
" Read these sketches and the conviction will be irresistible 
that the country, the Presbyterian Church, and the Cause of high 
Christian Culture, owe their present exalted position in the 
land to the noble men who went forth from Princeton during 
the last century." Yet the mine which Dr. Alexander 
worked so successfully is not exhausted, even in regard to the 
Alumni whose names adorn his pages. Great treasures of 
information about Princeton Alumni yet remain to be gath- 
ered. Our hope is that the authorities of the College will 
soon take efficient action to collect these from every accessi- 
ble source and utilize them. Why may not the*College in 
the near future have a biography of every man who has ever 
received a diploma from her hands ? And as one of the steps 
toward this, let each class that leaves her walls, be encouraged 
to take all appropriate measures for doing substantially what 
the Class of 1838 is now doing — prepare, when the journey 
of life lies mainly behind them, a Class Biography, copies of 
which shall be placed in possession of the College. We are 
fully persuaded that the college authorities, through these and 
other means, not only may secure materials for a new future 
history of the Institution, but would also attach to it and firmly 
hold large numbers of individuals and families now becoming 
forgetful of the strong and ancient ties which bind them to 
the College of New Jersey. To this use we contribute this 
little offering. 

OUR FRESHMAN YEAR. 

What a halo still lingers around our Freshman year! 
Were we to live for centuries could we ever forget the feel- 
ings with which we assembled on November 5, 1834, at our 
first college recitation in a front basement room of the old North 
College to meet our Greek tutor, Hugh N. Wilson, who, 
from that day onward, was known as " Hugo?" There were 
just twelve of us— the " original twelve "—the nucleus of the 



12 HISTORY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

class of 1838. The twelve were Samuel D. Alexander, 
Thomas J. Ancrum, Zenas L. Beach, Clayton Blackwell, 
Joseph H. Davis, William H. L. Rogers, George W. B. 
Satterfield, William E. Schenck, Morrell Van Giesen, 
Samuel G, Weeks, William H, Winthrop and Henry W. B. 
Woodhull. Of these twelve, five are yet living, and of these 
five, three — Alexander, Schenck and Woodhull, were present 
at our semi-centennial class meeting on June 20, 1888. The 
other living ones are Van Giesen and Winthrop, who did not 
graduate in 1838. By accessions from time to time, at the 
end of the year the class numbered twenty-four. It steadily 
moved onward in the pathway of learning, reading Livy and 
the Odes of Horace under Tutor Burrowes ; Xenophon and 
Aeschines under Tutor Wilson ; and working at Algebra un- 
der Adjunct Professor Stephen Alexander, 

A memorable incident of this year was the burning of the 
First Presbyterian Church. It stood on the same spot 
where the present edifice stands, but with its side to the 
street. We were all in the College Chapel (now the Muse- 
um) at 5 P.M. on July 6, 1835, and President Carnahan was 
conducting Evening Prayers, when suddenly the bell began 
to ring furiously, and the cry of " Fire" came up from the 
street. The first impression was that the College building 
was itself on fire. The students rushed from the Chapel, 
and the President was left alone and standing in the pulpit. 
When we reached the church, fliames had just burst through 
the roof, and in spite of all efforts soon only the bare 
brick walls were left standing. The conflagration was sup- 
posed to have been caused by the stick of a sky-rocket fired 
on the evening of the 4th of July, two days before, which had 
entered an attic window, and there smouldered until the fire 
burst out. The burning of the church affected the Commence- 
ments and some other exercises of our whole College course. 

A noteworthy occurrence in the Freshman year was the 
presentation of a gift by the class to Tutor Burrowes, who 
was greatly respected and beloved by all its members. As 
he was about to leave and become a Professor in Lafayette 
College, the class purchased a large and handsome Bible, ap- 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 13 

pointed the writer to make the presentation with a few re- 
marks, and marched in procession to his room. The inter- 
view was brief, but very touching and memorable. Nearly 
fifty years afterwards the writer was in San Francisco, and 
called to see his former tutor, who was then, as he is yet, the 
Rev. George Burrowes, D.D., Professor of Greek and He- 
brew Exegesis in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of 
San Francisco. Dr. Burrowes spoke of our Freshman gift 
almost with tears, and showed him the Bible, carefully pre- 
served. Having subsequently sent the Professor a printed 
account of our Semi-Centennial Class Meeting on June 20, 
1888, in which he was mentioned as now our only surviving 
college instructor, the writer received a letter from Dr. Bur- 
rowes in which he wrote : "Among the pleasures crowning 
my old age [Dr. Burrowes is now in his seventy-ninth year] 
not the least delightful were my meetings with you on your 
recent visit to this Coast, and the refreshing influence of such 
a renewal of the friendship of early manhood. Your kind 
remembrance of me at the fiftieth anniversary of your class 
graduation touched me deeply. I thank and bless you for 
all your friendship, kindliness and affection. The Bible was 
beautiful in typography, and is one of the delightful remem- 
brances of my life. It is inscribed — ' Presented to George 
Burrowes, Tutor, by the Freshman Class of Princeton Col- 
lege, as a Testimonial of their high regard for him, Septem- 
ber, 1835.' It hangs as a beautiful fixed star over those early 
days, never sinking below the horizon of memory during all 
the revolutions of the following years. I remember very pleas- 
santly Dr. Woodhull, Mr. Jemison and Dr. S. D. Alexander, 
of your class." As has been intimated above, Dr. Burrowes 
is now the only living instructor of any of our college days. 
Long may he linger in life to bless us and to be blest by us ! 
The commencement at the end of our Freshman year was 
one of unusual interest. In consequence of the recent de- 
struction by fire of the First Presbyterian Church in which 
the Commencement exercises had been held since its firs* 
erection, a large canvas tent had been set up against the rear 
end or southeastern wall of the chapel, now the Museum. 



14' HISTORY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

Under this the usual exercises were this year held on Sep- 
tember 30th. Here the Hon. William Gaston, of North Car- 
olina, delivered his famous Annual Address before the two 
Literary Societies. It occupied two hours in the delivery, 
and was a masterpiece of intellectual power and oratorical 
grace. Here also Nicholas Biddle, the great President of the 
old United States Bank which General Andrew Jackson 
vetoed, delivered his equally famous oration before the Alumni 
Association — an oration everywhere and long spoken of as 
polished, powerful, elegant and eloquent to an extraordinary 
degree. 

OUR SOPHOMORE YEAR. 

On the opening of the Sophomore year, on the 8th day of 
December, 1835, our twenty-four Freshmen found themselves 
overwhelmed and almost lost in a large accession of nearly 
fifty new classmates, making before the end of the year sev- 
enty-four in all. They were led forward in Euclid and Trig- 
onometry by the diffident but able Professor Stephen Alex- 
ander; through portions of Horace and Cicero by one of the 
Tutors ; and Demosthenes and Homer's Iliad under the very 
intelligent and attractive guidance of Professor John S. Hart. 

The most memorable event in our Sophomore year was the 
burial at Princeton of the famous Colonel Aaron Burr, at one 
time Vice-President of the United States. He died Septem- 
ber 13th, 1836, at the Richmond House, on Staten Island, 
N. Y., in his eighty-first year. We insert an account of the 
funeral service found in The Newark Daily Advertiser, of Fri- 
day, September 19, 1836, believed to have been written by 
the Rev. James W. Alexander, D.D. : 

"Princeton, Sept. 17, 1836. The body of Col. Aaron Burr was re- 
ceived from New York at Amboy and taken to Hightstown on the rail- 
road, whence it was brought to Princeton in a hearse, accompanied in a 
carriage by the pall -bearers : — Gen. Robert Swartwout, Col. S. Swart- 
wout. Col. J. W. Scott, Col. Romeyn, Gen. Bogardus, Major Popham, 
H. M. Western and Samuel Copp, Esqs. The remains reached town 
about noon and were deposited in the College Chapel, where the de- 
ceased had often listened to the voice of prayer from his venerable 
maternal grandfather, the pious President Edwards. At the appointed 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 15 

hour the Faculty and students with some of the citizens of the borough, 
assembled at the chapel and soon after 3 p. m. the services were appro- 
priately commenced with the reading of the 90th Psalm and a prayer 
by the Rev. Dr. Van Pelt, who had attended the sickness of the deceased 
on Staten Island. President Carnahan then followed with an impres- 
sive, judicious and appropriate discourse from I Cor. vii. 31 : "For the 
fashion of this world passeth away.'' He briefly sketched the history of 
the deceased, and remarked on his honorable parentage and his con- 
nection with the College. His public career was delicately touched, 
with only such allusions to his duel with Hamilton as might be of ser- 
vice to the assembly without wounding the feelings of any. The ser- 
vices in the Chapel were closed with a prayer by the Rev. Benj. H, 
Rice, D.D. A large funeral procession was formed on the College 
Green, composed of the Mercer Guards, the clergy, the corpse and 
chief mourners, the Cliosophic Society, the Faculty and students of the 
College and Seminary, citizens, &c. The body was deposited at the 
foot of his father's grave with the honors of war — the Mercer Guards 
firing a volley over the grave,'' % 

The Cliosophic Society adopted a resolution " that the 
efforts of this individual on behalf of our Society during her 
infant struggle and the affectionate interest he has at all times 
manifested for her success, claim from us an expression of 
condolence for his loss and of gratitude for his service." It 
was also resolved that "the members of the Society will wear 
crape on the left arm for thirty days :" which was done. 
Never can we forget that melancholy march from the College 
to the grave, the long procession, of which our Sophomore 
Class (including the writer) formed a part, headed by a brass 
band playing as a dead march " The Portuguese Hymn," and 
filling the streets of Princeton with its wailing strains. A 
tombstone, paid for mainly by the Edwards family of New 
York, was afterwards erected over his grave. It is astonish- 
ing how many stories, absolutely and wholly, false, have been 
invented and published about Colonel Burr's burial. As our 
class were not only eye-witnesses, but also participants in the 
whole affair, the writer has on that account been more care- 
ful to give a plain and full statement of the occurrence. 

The erection of the West College was finished this year, 
and a number of its rooms were occupied by members of our 
class during the Junior year. 



16 HISTORY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 



OUR JUNIOR YEAR. 

In its Junior year the class was further enlarged from 74 
to ^y members, an unusual addition for that advanced stage 
of the course. The total number of students in the college 
was 240. Now we entered upon the mazes of Analytical 
Geometry and Differential and Integral Calculus under the 
guidance of that admirable preceptor, Professor Albert B. 
Dod. In this field he was beyond compare, " and as he illus- 
trated the propositions as only he could do," one of his pupils 
has written, " we marvelled much that what he made appear 
so easy and so plain, to us should seem so wondrous hard." 
Now, too, we really enjoyed the teachings of President Carna- 
han and of Doctors Maclean and J. W. Alexander. As having 
attained the dignity of Juniors, we were also freed (except on 
Monday mornings) from the irksomeness of the early recita- 
tions before breakfast, which we had been obliged to attend 
throughout our Freshman and Sophomore years. 

The memorable event of this year was the undertaking of 
the American Whig and Cliosophic Societies, to erect two 
new Literary Halls. Their views and wishes having been made 
known to the Faculty and Trustees of the College, were sanc- 
tioned by both. Each Society then appointed a Committee 
to solicit subscriptions from the Alumni; Commodore Robert 
F. Stockton heading the Whig subscription list with one 
thousand dollars. We do not remember the names of other 
large subscribers. The erection of Clio Hall was begun first, 
but they were finished at very nearly the same time. It was 
the Class of 1838, in its Junior year, that fully initiated these 
enterprises, but the new Halls were not occupied by the So- 
cieties until after our graduation. Ah ! how both Whigs and 
Clios suffered for years from over-crowding and lack of ventila- 
tion and fresh air in those old third-story Halls with their low 
arched ceilings. Our successors for the last fifty years have 
never known what a deliverance they have had through the 
efforts of the Class of 1838, and what a debt of gratitude they 
have been owing us. 

The Fourth of July was this year (1837) observed at Prince- 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 17 

ton with unusual spirit. The national flag was hoisted at 
sunrise with the ringing of bells and firing of cannon; a na- 
tional salute was fired also at noon and at sunset, and in the 
evening the College buildings were illuminated, and there was 
a grand display of fireworks. There was speaking in the 
Seminary Chapel both forenoon and afternoon, the rebuilt 
Presbyterian Church not being yet ready for use. A proces- 
sion was formed in the College Campus and marched to the 
Chapel under the lead of Major John A. Perrine, Marshal of 
the day. The exercises were as follows : Forenoon — Reading 
of The Declaration of Independence by Joshua Hall Mcllvaine, 
of Delaware; an oration by Joseph Branch, of North Carolina; 
an oration by A, Gardiner Mercer, of Pennsylvania. After- 
noon — Speeches by members of the Class of 1838, viz.: 
Samuel G. Williams, of North Carolina ; Edward C Rowan, 
of New York; William A. Dod, of New Jersey; J. Willard 
Gibbs, of Pennsylvania ; John M. Eager, of New York ; and 
James S. Carper, of Virginia. 

The Commencement of 1837 was held in the newly rebuilt 
Presbyterian Church. Its most striking feature was the de- 
livery of a magnificent oration on " The Bible and its Literary 
Claims," by the Hon. Samuel L. Southard, LL.D. 

OUR SENIOR YEAR. 

In the Senior year the class was decreased in numbers from 
eighty-seven to seventy-five. The latter was the number 
which passed the final examination, and received diplomas. 
The whole number of students in the college was two hundred 
and thirty-seven. 

Now we enjoyed "the cream of our course." Were we to 
live hundreds of years, could we ever forget the splendid 
series of lectures on Natural Philosophy, with bewitching 
illustrations, given by the peerless Professor Joseph Henry ? 
Or the profoundly interesting and instructive courses of Pro- 
fessor John Torrey on Chemistry, and of Professor Albert B. 
Dod, on Architecture, and of Professor James W. Alexander, 
on Belles Lettres ? Ah ! those were golden days, indeed. 

And here, after the lapse of fifty years ; after having had 



18 HISTORY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

much experience of men and things, in various walks of life ; 
and after having (most of us) watched carefully the education 
of other children and our own — the survivors of the class of 
1838 wish to bear hearty testimony to the ability and fidelity 
of each and all their college instructors, and to the wisdom 
that marked the course of instruction and government of the 
venerable institution, with which they are glad and proud to 
have been connected half a century ago. 

The Fourth of July in 1838, was kept in Princeton very 
much as the last had been. The exercises were again held in 
, the Seminary Chapel, but there were only two speakers. The 
Declaration of Independence was read by Charles S. Beardsley, 
of New York, and appropriate orations were delivered by Ab- 
ner A. Porter, of Alabama, and Samuel G. Williams, of North 
Carolina, of which the Princeton newspaper testified that " the 
orations did honor to the speakers and to the occasion." 

In this year occurred "The Rape of the Cannon," as it was 
called — the removal by night of the big cannon from Queens- 
ton to the college grounds. Those who desire to read a full 
account of this matter, may find it in that most valuable and 
interesting work, which every Princeton alumnus should pos- 
sess — Hageman's Princeton and its Institutions, Vol. ii. pp. 
317-19. This big cannon had been left in Princeton after the 
battle of Princeton, in the last century, but was sent to New 
Brunswick for use in the defense of that city in the war of 
181 2, and remained there until about 1836, when some citizens 
of Princeton brought it back, and left it at the east end of the 
town. In 1838 a large number of students, among whom 
were W. A. Smith, O. S. Halsted, A. S. Dandridge and many 
other members of the Senior Class, having engaged a heavy 
wagon and teams, went in the night and brought it to the 
college campus. Two years later it was plugged, and planted 
in the grounds back of the old North College, where it yet 
remains. In the biographical notice of W. A. Smith, on a later 
page, may be found some details of this affair. 



PRINCETON COI.LEGE. 19 



OUR COMMENCEMENT. 



This was, of course, ''the day of days," to which we had 
long been eagerly looking forward. The weather on Monday 
and Tuesday was highly propitious for a pleasant Commence- 
ment. There was no dust, no mud ; it was moderately cool 
and very pleasant. On Tuesday afternoon Colonel J. W. 
Scott, of New Brunswick, N. J., addressed the American 
Whig and Cliosophic Societies in the First Presbyterian 
Church, in the presence of a large audience. His address 
was eloquent and earnest, presenting many historical facts in 
reference to the College and its former Presidents, and was 
listened to with lively interest to its close. On Tuesday even- 
ing the church was again crowded to hear the Juni^ orators 
of the class of 1839, and the speaking was good. 

But alas ! about midnight it began to rain. It gradually 
increased, and stormed all through Wednesday (Commence- 
ment Day) to the great inconvenience of everybody, and pre- 
venting the attendance of the usually large and crowded audi- 
ence. Nevertheless, the church was fairly filled, and the 
exercises proceeded as usual. It pleased The Princeton Whig 
to say in its next issue that '' those who succeeded in being 
present on this interesting occasion were amply repaid. The 
graduating class reflected credit on themselves and their 
Alma Mater.'' After the Valedictory a recess of half an hour 
took place, when the Hon. James McDowell, of Lexing- 
ton, former Governor of Virginia, addressed the Alumni 
Association of the College for an hour and fifty minutes in a 
most eloquent and energetic manner. The audience was 
thoroughly enraptured ; and when he closed, the sensation 
pervading it reminded one of those scenes so forcibly de- 
scribed in Wirt's " Life of Patrick Henry." 

Before the writer lies an old copy of the hand-bill distrib- 
uted through the church on that day. Four of the speakers 
named upon it are yet living. As it will interest at least 
them, and perhaps some children, relatives and friends of 
those who have passed away, we will reproduce it here : 



20 HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 



COMMENCEMENT, SEPTEMBER 26, 1 838. 



ORDER OF EXERCISES. 

PRAYER BY THE PRESIDENT. 
MUSIC. 

Daniel Johnson, N. C. — Latin Salutatory. 

Laurence O'B. Branch, N. C. — English Salutatory. The Position of 
Russia with regard to the other European Powers, 

MUSIC. 

* Benjamin B. Vaughan, Va. — Comparison between Leibnitz and 

Newton. 
William E. Schenck, N. J. — Courage of the Christian compared with 
that of the Man of Honor. 

* Theodore Little, N. J. — Palmyra. 

MUSIC. 
William A. Dod, N. J. — Dififerences. 
James V. Z. Blaney, Del. — Pyramids of Egypt. 

* William M. Hollyday, Md. — The Influence of Transatlantic 

Opinion on America. 

MUSIC. 

William G. Whiteley, Del. — The Decay of Infidelity in our Age. 

* Griffith J. McRee, N. C. — Obsequies and Monuments for the Dead. 
James S. Carper, Va. — The Intellect of the Eighteenth Century. 

MUSIC. 
Oliver S. Halsted, Jr., N. J. — The World after the Flood. 
Edward S. Clark, N. J. — The Last Days of Granada. 
Charles S. Beardsley, N. Y. — True Greatness. 

MUSIC. 

Cornelius C. Van Wyck, N. Y. — Human Life Insignificant except in 
regard to the Future. 

John M. Eager, N. Y. — The Political Lessons taught by the Revolu- 
tions of South America. 

James W. Wall, N. J. — Presentiments and Associations as affecting 
the Mind. 

MUSIC. 

THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES. 
Abner a. Porter, Ala. — Valedictory. 

Prayer and Benediction. 

* Excused. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 21 

At the conclusion of the exercises we all shook hands upon 
the platform and bade each other farewell ; much the larger 
majority of the class never to meet again on earth. 

The Class of 1838 was, by nine, the largest which had then 
ever graduated from the College. 



A.n understanding had been passed among the members of 
the class that as many of us as possible would meet in Prince- 
ton at the Commencement of 1858, twenty years after gradua- 
tion. But no one person had the matter in charge ; no indi- 
vidual was notified as the time approached; probably most of 
the members had forgotten it. When the appointed day 
arrived, only five of the class were present, viz. : William 
A. Dod, Oliver S. Halsted, Jr., James W. Wall, Lewis J. Wil- 
liams, and Henry W. B. WoodhuU. It was reportea to them 
that 19 members of the class had died, and that two. Branch 
and Whiteley, were members of the last Congress. Dr. 
Woodhull, the only one of that five who is now living, says of 
this meeting : " From the small number present, it was quite an 
informal affair, and was grouped only at the Alumni Dinner 
in the Old Refectory of Henry Clow memory — not the base- 
ment, but the room over it. I think that Dod and Halsted 
were speakers at the dinner — possibly Wall, also — I cannot 
say. The small representation of the class was like a wet 
blanket to us all." 

OUR SEMI-CBNTBNNIAIv CLASS-MEETING. 

After the small meeting in 1858, above described, no at- 
tempt was made to hold another until 1888. Two or three of 
the remnant of the class still living then agreed to make a 
vigorous effort to bring together as many as possible of the 
survivors. The result of this effort and of an earnest corre- 
spondence was that one of the most notable class meetings 
which has occurred in the history of the College of New Jer- 
sey took place on Commencement Day, June 20, 1888, the 
fiftieth anniversary of the graduation of the Class of '38. It 
was held at 12 M. at the house of Miss Julia T. Smith, third 



22 HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

door southwest of the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton. 
That lady was deeply interested in this gathering, from the 
fact that one relative, the Rev. W. E. Schenck, D.D., and 
several old and valued acquaintances, were members of the 
class, at whose graduation she was present fifty years before. So 
she generously proffered the use of her parlors as the place for 
their meeting, and gave them in addition a bountiful lunch. 
When this Class of 1838 was graduated, seventy- five of its 
members received diplomas. Of these, at the end of fifty 
years, twenty were living and fifty-five were deceased. And 
of the twenty still living fourteen were present at the ap- 
pointed hour. They were : 

Rev. Samuel D. Alexander, D.D., New York City 
Bloomfield J, Beach, Esq., .... Rome, N. Y. 
Charles S. Beardsley, Esq., . . . Auburn, N. Y. 

Edward S. Clarke, Esq Philadelphia. 

James S. L. Cummins, Esq., , . New York City. 
Capt. Wm. H. Jemison, . . Birmingham, Ala. 
Lewis McKnight, M.D., .... Milwaukee, Wis. 
William A. Newbold, Esq . . Bordentown, N. J. 
Elisha B, Pendleton, M.D., Berkeley Springs, W. Va. 

Gen. Lewis Perrine, Trenton, N. J. 

Edward S. Rowan, Esq., .... Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Rev. William E. Schenck, D.D., . . Philadelphia. 
William A. Smith, Esq , ..... Trenton, N. J. 
Major Henry W. B. Woodhull, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y. 

The six living absentees were : 

Col. James W. Abert, ...... Newport, Ky. 

William Temple Allen, Esq., Gaylord, Clarke Co., Va. 
Alexander S. Campbell, Esq., . . Loch Raven, Md. 
*Alex. S. Dandridge, M.D., . . . Cincinnati, O. 
Theodore Little, Esq., .... Morristown, N. J. 

Thomas C. Montgomery, Esq., . Rochester, N. Y. 

When the class had assembled it unanimously elected the 

* Since deceased. 



PRINCETON COLI^EGE. 23 

Rev. William E. Schenck, D.D., to be its President; Bloom- 
field J. Beach, Esq., its Vice-President; and Major H. W. B. 
Woodhull, M.D., its Secretary. The Rev. Samuel D. Alex- 
ander, D.D., being called upon, led the meeting in an earnest 
and tender prayer. After this the presiding officer gave the 
class many items of interesting information about its history 
from the beginning of its Freshman year on to its day of 
graduation. Its instructors, including President Carnahan ; 
its Professors, the last being the well-beloved Dr. John Mac- 
lean ; its Tutors, had all passed to the eternal world, except 
Tutor Burrowes, who heard the Latin recitations in the 
Freshman year, and of whom Dr. Schenck told the class 
that he still lives at the green and useful age of seventy-eight 
years, a Professor in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary 
of San Francisco, Cal., as the honored Rev. George Bur- 
rowes, D.D. 

An hour and a half were passed in lively and most enjoy- 
able talk, and from all sides reminiscences were poured forth. 
Many were the tender references to the departed, but it was 
found that with few exceptions they had lived useful and 
honorable lives, had thus secured the respect and esteem 
of their fellow-men, and had finally departed, a large propor- 
tion of them, in the bright hope of eternal happiness through 
a Redeemer's merits. So sadness was a very subordinate 
element, and warm affection, joy at meeting again, and pleas- 
ing hopes for the future were the predominant feelings of 
the time. The lunch so generously provided for them was 
well enjoyed. Mr. Edward S. Clarke presented a letter of 
thanks to Miss Smith for her generous hospitality, which was 
adopted, signed by all present and presented to her. 

On motion of Gen. Perrine it was resolved that a Memorial 
Pamphlet of the class of 1838 be prepared and printed, to 
contain a biographical sketch of each member of the class, 
living or dead, as well as any other matters of interest con- 
nected with the class. On motion of Mr. Rowan the Rev. 
Dr. W. E. Schenck was requested to prepare this pamphlet, 
assisted by Rev. Dr. S. D. Alexander and Dr. H. W. B. 
WoodhuU. On motion of Mr. J. S. L. Cummins it was unani- 



24 HISTORY OP THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

mously resolved that the members of the class now present 
will pay the cost of such pamphlet as soon as it shall be 
ascertained. 

A badge, thoughtfully supplied for each and all by Gen. 
Perrine at his own expense — a pin with the letters '38 in 
gold figures — was attached by each to the lapel of his coat, 
and these veteran alumni joined the procession, entered the 
church and were seated upon the platform, where they were 
delighted listeners to the services connected with the inaug- 
uration of the Rev. Francis L. Patton, D.D., LL.D., as the 
new President of the College, and especially to Dr. Patton's 
own rich and grand inaugural address. 

Then, returning to their headquarters at Miss Smith's, 
they resumed their free and fraternal talk. Only too fast the 
moments flew until near the going down of the sun, when 
they bade each other farewell, and most of them took the 
cars for their various homes, all — even those who had trav- 
eled farthest — declaring that their time, their expenditure and 
their fatigue had been a thousand-fold repaid in the rich en- 
joyment experienced during this precious interview with 
their classmates of long ago. The most of them had not 
seen each other since they parted on the Commencement 
stage, fifty years before. It is not probable that all of them 
will meet again in this world. 

It seems proper here to mention that seven members of the 
class, viz. — Jemison, Woodhull, Newbold, Schenck, Smith, 
Perrine and Clarke, being on the ground the day before 
(June 19th), sat together at the Alumni Dinner in University 
Hall, where, by request of the others, Mr. W. H. Jemison 
made a brief and appropriate address as the representative of 
his class, when called on by the presiding officer. 

SUMMARY. 

From the biographical sketches found on the following 
pages it appears that of the 75 graduate members of the class, 
40 were Clios and 35 were Whigs. Fifty-nine married, and 16 
did not. One hundred and eighty-seven living children and 
84 grandchildren have been reported. Six served in the 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 25 

United States Ariiiy and 6 in the Confederate Army during 
the civil war of 1861-65. Of these, one, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, 
was killed in battle. In religious views 34 were Presbyterian ; 
1 5 Episcopalians ; the remainder not known. Professionally, 
34 were lawyers, 14 physicians, 1 1 ministers of the gospel ; 
and of the latter ten were Presbyterians and i Episcopalian. 
Of the physicians, 2 have been Surgeons in the United States 
Army and 2 Pay-Directors in the United States Navy. One has 
been a United States Senator, 2 members of the U. S. House 
of Representatives, 3 members of State Legislatures, 3 
judges, 2 college presidents, 4 college professors, 9 authors, 4 
editors, 3 teachers, 9 business men and 8 ruling elders in 
Presbyterian churches. 

Of the 29 non-gradiLate members of the class, 8 are reported 
to have left college because of poor health. The*reasons of 
the others are not known, but there is no reason to believe 
that any one of them left because of any disciplinary action on 
the part of the college authorities. Sixteen of them were 
Clios, and 13 Whigs. Twenty-three of them married, 6 never 
did. They have reported 85 living children and 23 grand- 
children. Two of them served in the Confederate Army. In 
religious views 15 were Presbyterians, 4 Episcopalians, the re- 
mainder not known. Three have been ruling elders in Pres- 
byterian churches. In profession, 7 were lawyers, 3 ministers 
of the gospel, 6 physicians, 3 teachers, 4 business men, and 4 
planters or farmers. One was a member of Congress, one a 
judge, one a State Legislator and one an author. 

In the preparation of the following sketches the writer has 
been both surprised and delighted to learn that so very few of 
his classmates made shipwreck on the voyage of life; that so 
large a proportion of them, as brave and noble men, have done 
their life-work well; that so many of them have left good 
ground for the hope that they will be present in the enjoy- 
ment of higher blessings and more splendid rewards than any 
earth can give — at our Next, our Grandest, our Unending 
Class Re-union beyond The River. 



26 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GRADUATE MEMBERS. 

COL. JAMES WILLIAM ABERT, A.M., U. S. A. 

James William Abert is a son of Major John James Abert 
and Mrs. Ellen Matlock (Stretch) Abert. He was born at 
Mount Holly, N. J., November 18, 1820. The permanent 
home of his parents was in Washington, D. C, but his father 
being a Major of Topographical Engineers, in the United 
States army, was engaged about the year 1820 on the United 
States Coast Survey, his family temporarily residing at Mount 
Holly. It was then and there our classmate was born. He 
was prepared for college at the Select Classical Seminary, in 
Washington, D. C, under the tuition of Salmon P. Chase, 
afterwards Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Justice of the 
United States, and of Hamilton Smith. 

He entered the Sophomore Class in 1835, and became a 
member of the Cliosophic Society. He was of medium 
stature, strongly built, of sunny temperament, social disposi- 
tion, and was popular among his fellow-students. 

After his graduation Abert went to West Point Military 
Academy, September i, 1838, and was graduated therefrom in 
1842. He remained in connection with the army many years, 
and his services were varied and important. A full account 
of them would fill a large volume. We must content our- 
selves with a very condensed outline. His first service 
was at Detroit, Mich., then at Buffalo, N. Y., where he 
was engaged in the trigonometric and geodetic surveys of 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 27 

the great lakes. In 1845 he joined General Fremont's expe- 
dition to the Rocky Mountains, returning along the Canadian 
River to Fort Gibson. In 1847 he marched over the great 
prairies to take part in the conquest of New Mexico, under 
such commanders as Generals W. S. Kearney, Donophan and 
Sterling Price. In 1848 and 1849 he was Assistant Professor 
at West Point (N.Y.) U. S. Military Academy. In 1850 to 
1856 he was engaged on the improvement of Western rivers, 
first with Stephen H. Long and General J. E. Johnston, and 
afterwards in sole charge. In 1856 to 1858 he took part in 
driving the Seminoles out of Florida, under that most valiant 
Indian fighter. General W. S. Harney. In r86o he traveled in 
Europe, noting its military arms and condition. In 1861 he 
joined General Robert Patterson in the march up the Shenan- 
doah Valley, in Virginia. In 1862 he was withfGeneral N, 
P. Banks. In the fall of 1863 he joined General Q. A. Gil- 
mour at the siege of Charleston. In 1864 he resigned from 
the army, and until 1869 was engaged in business in Cincin- 
nati. From 1869 to 1871 he was Examiner of Patents in the 
Department of the Interior, having been appointed to that 
office by General U. S. Grant. In the fall of 187 1 he resigned 
as Examiner of Patents, and accepted the Professorship of 
English Literature, in the Missouri State University, at 
Columbus, Mo. In 1872 he was detached by the mother 
university to assist Professor C. P. Williams in organizing the 
Missouri School of Mines, at Rolla, Mo. In the fall of 1878 
he resigned his professorship in order to give attention to his 
personal business affairs, at Newport, Ky. In 1886 he made 
a second European tour through Germany, Switzerland, Italy 
and France. " Since that time," he writes, " I am residing as 
quietly as I can in the modest little town of Newport, Ky." 

Colonel Abert participated in many actual and some fierce 
engagements. He was with General Patterson at the skirmish 
of Falling Waters, Va.; with General N. P. Banks in the 
Valley of Virginia, near Winchester, fighting the troops of 
Stonewall Jackson ; with the same General in various fights 
along the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers in 1862; also 
at the second battle of Bull Run; and with General Gilmour 



28 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

at the siege of Charleston in 1863. He was made Brevet 
Lieutenant-Colonel in the U. S. army in 1868. He was also 
elected President of the Association of Mexican Veterans, at 
Rolla, Mo., in 1877; is a member of the Loyal Legion of the 
United States, and of the Grand Army of the Republic ; is 
now President of the Board of Examiners of Public Schools 
at Newport, Ky. ; and esteems it by no means the least of his 
posts of honorable usefulness that he is Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, in 
the town where he resides, of which church he is an active 
member. 

Colonel Abert has been twice married : first, to Miss Jane 
Lenthall Stone, daughter of Mr. William J. Stone, of Wash- 
ington City, October 21, 1844. She died, August 17, 1849. 
Second, to Miss Lucy Catherine Taylor, daughter of Colonel 
James Taylor, of Newport, Ky., on July 16, 185T. She is 
still living. He has four children : by his first wife one son, 
William Stone Abert (a Princeton graduate of 1865), and by 
his second wife, three unmarried daughters. By his son he 
has two grandchildren. Besides that of his son, above- 
mentioned, the names of two brothers of Colonel Abert 
appear as graduates of Princeton College, viz. : Charles Abert 
(1842), and Sylvanus Thayer Abert (1848). 

Colonel Abert has been a prolific writer on themes widely 
various. He says : " My army life threw me into intimate 
relations with the works of nature, and I made special studies 
of animals, birds, plants, insects, shells, and the ancient relics 
of primitive man." Among his numerous publications the 
following may be mentioned : 

I. A Report of an Expedition on the Canadian and Arkan- 
sas Rivers. Published by the United States Congress, July, 

1846. 2. Report of the Exploration and Survey of the 

Territory of New Mexico, 1846 and 1847. Public Document 

No. 438. 3. Surveys and Maps of the Falls of the Ohio. 

Published by Congress. S. Doc. 42. 

He has also published in the " Journal of the Cincinnati 
Natural History Society :" i. A List of Birds obtained be- 
tween Fort Leavenworth and Santa Fe, N. M. 2. Lecture 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 29 

on Color. 3. Lecture on Nature in Art. 4. Lecture on 

Palm Trees. 5. Lecture on the Ancient Aztec or Mexican 

Method of Computing Time. 6. The Aztec Calendar Stone 

7. The Village Indians of New Mexico. 8. Big Guns 

(November, 1888), 

He has also written numerous papers for various jour- 
nals. 

Colonel Abert was not, to the great regret of all who were 
present, able to attend the grand class-meeting on the fiftieth 
anniversary of our graduation. But his heart still beats very 
warmly for his Alma Mater and his classmates, as is manifest 
in every letter he writes us. Let us hear a few sentences 
from them. " How distinctly I can now behold the grand old 
picture of Washington and Gen. Hugh Mercer, which hung on 
the chapel wall. It has inspired many a Princetonidh to go into 
the tented field, and there uphold the great cause of mankind. 

* * * The history of the achievements of our Alma Mater 
will immortalize her for all time and in every tongue. May 
her future ever prove equal to her present renown, and every 
coming year add new glories to the crown which now decks 
the brows of the grand and good old College of New Jersey. 

* * * With me life's voyage is nearly completed. What 
trivial relics we leave behind — often nothing but the fragment 
of an oar, on which should be inscribed, 'Oft was I weary 
when I toiled with thee.' " 

Nevertheless, that many years and many joys may yet be 
given him, is the hearty prayer of all his remaining class- 
mates. 

REV. SAMUEL DAVIES ALEXANDER, A.M., D.D. 

Samuel Davies Alexander is a son of the Rev. Archibald 
Alexander, D D,, LL.D. ; nomen clariim et venerabile, the first 
and eminent Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology in 
Princeton Theological Seminary, and of Mrs. Janetta (Wad- 
dell) Alexander, a daughter of the eloquent " Blind Preacher 
of Virginia," made famous by William Wirt's description of 
him in The British Spy. Among the names which adorn our 



30 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Alumni Catalogue are those of four brothers of Dr. Alexan- 
der, viz.: James Waddell Alexander, D.D. (1820); Hon. 
William Cowper Alexander (1824); Joseph Addison Alex- 
der (1826); and Henry Martyn Alexander, LL.D. (1849), as 
well as six nephews, viz, : Henry Carrington Alexander, D.D. 
(1854); James Waddell Alexander (i860); Charles Beatty 
Alexander (1870); Archibald Alexander, Ph.D. (1875); Samuel 
Alexander, M.D. (1879); and Henry Addison Alexander (1883). 

Samuel Davies Alexander was born at Princeton, N. J., 
May 3, 1 8 19, and after attending for some time the white 
stone Academy in • Princeton, was finally prepared for college 
by his brother, the Rev. James W. Alexander, D.D. He 
entered college in the autumn of 1834, was one of the immor- 
tal twelve who, as the Freshman class during its first session, 
were the nucleus of the class of 1838. He was a member of 
the Whig Society, was always gentle, amiable, cheerful and 
companionable, a decided favorite among his classm.ates ; 
passed steadily and uninterruptedly through the whole four 
years of his course; was never known to break one of the 
college laws, and was regular in the performance of every 
duty. After graduating, he spent two years (1838-40) with 
Professor Joseph Henry as a student and assistant; the 
next three (1840-43) as a civil engineer on the New York 
and Erie Railroad; then another (1843-44) in studying law 
in Princeton. During the last year he made a public profes- 
sion of his faith by uniting with the First Presbyterian Church 
of Princeton. 

In the autumn of 1844 he entered Princeton Theological 
Seminary, whence he was regularly graduated after a full 
three years' course of study. He was licensed to preach the 
gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick at Freehold 
Village Church, April 28, 1847, and was ordained and in- 
stalled as pastor of the Richmond Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 
by the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, November 16, 1847. 
Here he labored industriously and successfully for two years, 
when he resigned and became Assistant Secretary of the 
Presbyterian Board of Education in Philadelphia for about 
two years more. He then accepted a call to become pastor 



PRINCETON COLI.EGE. 31 

of the Villagje Church of Freehold, N. J., and was duly in- 
stalled by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, February 19, 
185 I. In this, his second charge, he labored with great ac- 
ceptance and usefulness for five years. 

At the end of this time he accepted an invitation to become 
pastor of the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in the city 
of New York, and was installed over it on May 12, 1856. In 
November, 1869, the church removed to a new edifice, corner 
Madison Avenue and Seventy-third Streets, and its name was 
changed to The Phillips Church. Dr. Alexander is still its 
pastor. Here he has continued to labor steadily, unostenta- 
tiously and zealously for thirty-two years, beloved and revered 
by the people of his charge and respected and honored by all 
who know him. Long may his life and labors be continued ! 
He has never married. % 

In 1862 Dr. Alexander received his title of Doctor of Di- 
vinity from Washington College, Pa. In 1865 he was made a 
Trustee of Princeton Theological Seminary, and in 1881 a 
Vice-President of The American Colonization Society, both 
of which offices he still holds. He is also President of The 
Board of Trustees of Rutgers Female College in New York 
City and of the New York State Colonization Society. Since 
1869 he has been the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of New 
York, to the great comfort and satisfaction of all concerned. 

Dr. Alexander's published works have been as follows : i. 
" Life Sketches from Scottish History." i8mo. Presbyterian 

Board of Publication, Philadelphia 2. " Sermons by the 

Tennants and their Contemporaries." i2mo. Presbyterian 

Board of Publication, Philadelphia. 3. " History of the 

Irish Presbyterian Church." Condensed from the standard 
works of Reed and Killen. New York, i860. 4. "Prince- 
ton College During the XVIIIth Century." New York, 1872. 
This is a volume of rare interest for every graduate of Prince- 
ton College. No other work ever written has rendered such 
full and ample justice to the Alumni of the last century. And 
the admirable Preface is more entertaining and creditable to 
the authorship than any other part of the book. 5. " Prince- 
ton College." Illustrated. Scribner's Magazine, '^2.rc\\, iZ-j 7. 



32 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

6. Editions of " Pilgrim's Progress," Princeton Review, 



April, 1859, 7- " History of the Presbytery of New York," 

1888. 

We close this sketch of Dr. Alexander's life with the fol- 
lowing tribute from his loving classmate. Major Henry W. B. 
Woodhull, M.D., to each sentiment of which every surviving 
member of our class will promptly say " Ainen^ 

" The memories of fifty-eight years cluster around the name of the 
Rev. Samuel D. Alexander, D.D. In 1831 we were school-boys together 
at the old stone academy in Princeton, preparing for college. Then he 
was quiet, gentle and studious; now he is the dignified, courteous, re- 
fined and cultured pastor of one of New York's prominent churches, de- 
voted to his work and beloved by his people. We said to him : ' We 
want you to come to our semi-centennial class gathering, and open it 
with prayer.' And who of the fourteen present will ever forget how we 
all knelt with him in thanksgiving for the preservation of this little rem- 
nant of our seventy-five to come together again after the lapse of half a 
century, and in prayer for the widows and children of those who had 
gone before us ? We felt in our hearts that the mantle of his eminent 
and sainted father had now been handed on from his brothers, Addison 
and James, and so had fallen upon him ; and that our Alexander wore 
and graced it worthily." 

REV. JAMES MADISON ALLEN, A.M. 

James Madison Allen was born November 13, 18 14, at 
Amelia Court-House in Virginia, and was a son of James and 
Elizabeth Davis (Pollard) Allen. After receiving his earlier 
training in the best schools of his native county he received 
his final preparation for college in the Preparatory Department 
of Hampden Sydney College. His deportment had always 
been staid and thoughtful, but he first made a public profession 
of his faith by uniting with the Tabb Street Presbyterian 
Church of Petersburg, Va. 

He entered the Sophomore class of Princeton College in 
the autumn of 1835, becoming a member of the Whig Society. 
He was grave, studious and gentlemanly, never mingling on 
very free and easy terms with his fellow-students, but pur- 
suing the quiet and even tenor of his way. He was greatly 
respected and also greatly liked by them, nevertheless. He 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 33 

maintained an excellent scholarship, and at the end of his 
course received the ninth grade among the 75 graduates of 
his class. 

After his graduation he immediately entered Princeton 
Theological Seminary, whence, at the end of a full course, he 
was regularly graduated in 1841, but spent there a fourth year 
as a resident licentiate, leaving in 1842. He was licensed to 
preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of East Hanover, in Vir- 
ginia, June 5, 1 84 1, and was ordained by the same Presbytery 
Nov. 20, 1842, and installed as pastor over the Presbyterian 
Churches of Providence and Byrd within its bounds. Here he 
labored diligently and faithfully until he was released in May 
I, 1846, from the charge of Providence Church, and on the 
15 th day of the same month was installed as pastor of Hebron 
Church. Over these two churches (Byrd and Heoron) he 
continued to have the oversight and care until, owing to the 
delicate condition of his health, his pastoral relation to them 
was dissolved by the Presbytery, April 16, 1853. For one 
year — 1853-4 — he was then engaged in the service of The 
American Bible Society, as its agent in Virginia. But his 
health throughout this year continued to be poor, and at its 
close he retired to the house of his brother, Mr. E. H. Allen, 
in Amelia County, Va., where he died on October 11, 1854. 
He was buried in Blandford Cemetery at Petersburg, Va., but 
there is no epitaph above the spot where his mortal remains 
repose. 

Mr. Allen was never married. He was, so far as is known, 
the author of only one small pamphlet, '' On Confirmation." 
He was a good man, devout, conscientious, faithful to every 
assumed obligation and in the discharge of every duty. He 
was a good scholar and well read in general literature. He 
possessed a clear mind, abilities above the average and fair 
oratorical powers. Had good health and prolonged life been 
granted him he would probably have become a man of con- 
siderable eminence in his profession. 
3 



34 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 



WILLIAM TEMPLE ALLEN, ESQ. 

William Temple Allen was born at Clifton, in Clarke 
County, Va., September 13, 18 17. His father was David 
Hume Allen, who was graduated from Princeton College in 
1802, married and practiced law for a few years, but retired to 
cultivate a fine estate and build up one of the most beautiful 
homes in the Shenandoah Valley. There he died, in the en- 
joyment of books and the practice of that old-time hospi- 
tality for which Virginia was once famous. The mother of 
our classmate was Sarah Griffin (Taylor) Allen, a daughter 
of Col. Griffin Taylor, a soldier of the revolution. 

Mr. Allen was prepared for college at the Academy at Ber- 
ryville, in his native county, then taught by Hamilton Wash- 
ington. He joined the Sophomore Class in the College of 
New Jersey, and was received into the Whig Society in the 
fall of 1835. During the three years of his stay in college 
he maintained a very respectable standing as a scholar, and 
was much esteemed by his associates for his orderly habits, 
his unassuming manners and his gentlemanly demeanor. 

After being graduated Mr. Allen spent a part of the fol- 
lowing year in Alexandria, Va., studying engineering and 
geology with Benjamin Hallowell, a distinguished mathema- 
tician and teacher of that city. He then took a cruise to the 
Pacific, on the famous old frigate "United States," as Secre- 
tary to the Commodore commanding the squadron, visiting 
the Madeira Islands, Brazil, Cape Horn, Chili, Peru, etc. He 
spent a while with our Minister at Santiago as a sort of Sec- 
retary of Legation. He then returned to his home again, 
narrowly escaping shipwreck off Cape Horn. 

We will now let him speak for himself, quoting from sev- 
eral interesting letters received from him. 

" After two or three years of idleness, much given to field sports, I 
built a house on a portion of the paternal acres, and kept bachelor's 
hall for three years. On June 6, 1849, I married Miss Mary E. Bayly, 
daughter of Major Samuel Bayly, of Grafton, Fauquier County, Va. 
Finding that life on a farm left me a good many unoccupied hours, I 



PRINCETON COLI^EGE. 35 

took to the study of ornithology, and having some natural talent for 
drawing, undertook to produce a series of portraits of Virginia birds. 
The result was 150 plates, each of one species, mostly in groups and 
with characteristic scenery, of life size, faithfully drawn, and colored 
from specimens obtained by the use of my own gun. Meanwhile, I 
had kept up my knowledge of Latin and Greek, and added to them 
French, Spanish and Italian. 

"In 1880, finding myself growing rusty from lack of work, I under- 
took an ' Illustrated Flora of the Shenandoah Valley.' I have now 
collected, classified and drawn, colored from life, about 800 species 
of wild flowers and flowering shrubs, with no assistance save correspon- 
dence with prominent professors of the sciences. From want of means 
I have not published either of these works." 

About the civil war of 1861-65, and the part he took in 

it, Mr. Allen writes : 

% 
" As regards my part in the unfortunate struggle for ' States rights,' it 
did not amount to much. Although not an ardent secessionist, when 
our State was invaded, I did not hesitate, but entered the service in a 
cavalry company as a ' high private,' and with very little ambition for a 
higher rank. After a year's service, finding that my wife and three lit- 
tle children were in a very helpless and unprotected way, on a lonely 
farm, just in the track of every army that traversed the Valley, and the 
time for which my company had enlisted having expired, I returned 
home and was promptly captured. Gen. Sedgwick accepted my parole 
to stay quietly at home, which I did to the end of the war. I did not, 
however, escape its ravages. Army after army encamped upon me. 
Gen. Sheridan, with 45,000 or 50,000 troops, having at one time his 
quarters in my house. Everything on the place was burnt or otherwise 
destroyed, and at the end of the four years of war I had nothing left 
on the place but my house. Such was the fate of many places in this 
Valley, but in a few years they rose Phcenix-like from their ashes, and 
now you would never suspect that war had been within a 100 miles of 
us." 

For many years before Mr. Allen was re-discovered and 
this correspondence opened, he had been thoroughly lost to 
all his classmates. At the meeting of our class on June 20, 
1888, the fiftieth anniversary of our graduation, he was fully 
believed by each person present to have died many years be- 
fore that time. In reference to this he writes : " I am not 
surprised at the report of my death, as I have been buried 
alive for years, so far as mingling with the great world goes. 



36 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

Yet, in fact, I have enjoyed uninterrupted health for more 
than forty years. My home has always been on this one spot 
in Clarke County, Va. I am sorry I have never done any- 
thing to reflect honor on our old ' Alma MaterJ " 

Mr. Allen looks forward with lively interest to the appear- 
ance of this " Class Book," and writes : " I am glad to hear 
that the ' Class Book' is getting on so well. I feel a deep 
interest in it. I know of no book whatever I would rather 
see. I have spent many an hour in musing over the probable 
fates and fortunes of my classmates at Princeton. When you 
see Sam Alexander, now Reverend, and doubtless gray, 
greet him kindly for me, and ask him if he remembers the 
many games of chess we had while waiting for the bell to 
ring for recitations. I retain most agreeable recollections of 
my college life, and although parted from my classmates 
fifty years, have not forgotten one of them." 

Mr. Allen has three children, viz., i. William Temple Al- 
len, Jr., a Protestant Episcopal minister, in charge of three 
parishes, viz. : Jacksonville, Gadsden and another in Ala- 
bama. 2. Mary Bayly, married to Mr. J. E. Bryarly, of 

Clarke County, Va. 3. Emma, married to Bushrod Cor- 

bin Washington, of Jefferson County, West Va., now living in 
Washington City. 

He also has three grandchildren. His family are all Epis- 
copalians, but he is not himself a member of any church. 

One of the most agreeable incidents connected with the 
preparation of this work is its leading to a renewal of ac- 
quaintance and friendship with our long " buried " classmate, 
William Temple Allen. 



BI.OOMFIELD JERVIS BEACH, A.M., ESQ. 

Bloomfield Jervis Beach was born at Annsville, Oneida 
County, N. Y, June 27, 1820. His father was Samuel Beach, 
and his mother Susan Maria (Jervis) Beach. He was pre- 
pared for college at Rome, N. Y., under Oliver C. Grosvenor 
and entered the senior class of the College of New Jersey in 



PRINCETON COLI^EGE. 37 

the fall of 1837. He was a member of the Cliosophic So- 
ciety. 

Mr. Beach was diligent and faithful in study, and at his 
graduation stood among the first fifteen of his class in scholar- 
ship. His behavior was always orderly, and his demeanor 
gentlemanly and agreeable, and he left a most favorable im- 
pression upon his classmates, and we doubt not upon the 
Faculty of the college also. 

After graduating he spent one and a half years as a civil 
engineer in the service of the State of New York, after which 
he began the study of law in the office of Calvin B. Gay, Esq.; 
at Rome, N. Y. After studying three years he was licensed 
to practice in 1843 ^^'^ from that time until now has contin- 
ued to practice in Rome. 

Mr. Beach married, at Nashua, N. H., February I2, 1864, 
Miss Ann Frances Whittemore, of that town. She died in 
October, 1867, He married again, October 8, 1874, Miss 
Caroline Elizabeth Baker, a daughter of Daniel P. Baker, of 
Sing Sing, N. Y. She still lives. He has but one child, a 
son, by his first wife, John Bloomfield Beach, born May 5; 
1865, and now living in Florida. 

Mr. Beach holds the highest possible standing in the com- 
munity (at Rome) in which he dwells. As a lawyer he is 
regarded as having no superior in the Mohawk Valley. He 
possesses wealth, which a warm heart prompts him to use 
with a generous hand. His fellow-citizens have confided to 
him many offices of trust and responsibility, showing their 
estimate of his moral worth and his business abilities. He 
has been a Director in the Fort Stanwix Bank from its organ- 
ization, in 1847; a Director in the First National Bank of 
Rome since 1854; Secretary and Treasurer of the Rome Sav- 
ings Bank from its organization, in 185 i; one of the Rome 
Water Commissioners from their organization, in 1871. And 
probably the most important of all, he has been, since 1875, 
President of the Board of Trustees of the Central New York 
Institute for Deaf Mutes, an institution containing during the 
year ending September 30, 1887, 165 pupils in- attendance. 

" Although not a church member, Mr. Beach regards him- 



38 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1 838. 

self as a Presbyterian and is a reverent believer. He is a Re- 
publican ; yet not active in politics, nor ever an office-seeker. 
He has an excellent library of general literature, and is a 
large reader of the best books. He is a thoughtful, polite 
and most agreeable gentleman." Such is the testimony of 
one of his most intelligent neighbors. 

Mr. Beach was present at our grand class-meeting at 
Princeton on June 20, 1888, and by his presence and the part 
he took in its proceedings added greatly to the pleasure of 
the gathering. He was unanimously elected Vice-President 
of the class. And it may properly be said that by his wise 
and liberal suggestions he secured the preparation and publi- 
cation of this Class Book. 

ZEN AS IvINDSLEY BEACH, A.M., ESQ. 

Zenas Lindsley Beach, son of Ephraim Beach, was born at 
East Springfield, Otsego County, N. Y., March 12, 1819. 
After his birth his father removed to Newark, N. J., and 
finally to Catskill, N. Y., so that the son was also, for awhile, 
a resident in those places. He was prepared for college in 
Newark, N. J., under the tution of Nathan Hedges. He 
entered the Freshman Class in the College of New Jersey in 
the autumn of 1834, and was soon after received into the 
Cliosophic Society. 

Mr. Beach was a man of stout and strongly-built frame, of 
dark complexion, of pleasant and cheerful manners, of kind 
and friendly disposition, and very popular among his fellow- 
students. He stood fairly in his class as a scholar. All who 
knew him will hold him in affectionate and respectful remem- 
brance. 

After his graduation he studied law with Mitchel Sanford, 
Esq., in Catskill, N. Y., was admitted to the bar in 1840, and 
practiced law in Catskill until 1847. He united with the 
Presbyterian Church of Catskill January 3, 1841. He married 
Miss Sarah Brace, daughter of Abel Brace, M.D., a leading 
physician of that place, September 24, 1845. Mrs. Beach 
survived him, and still resides in Catskill. 



PRINCETON COI^IvEGE. 39 

For reasons largely connected with his health, about 1847 
he became the head of a tanning establishment in Delaware 
County, N. Y., where he remained until 1857, when he re- 
turned to Catskill. He died suddenly in New York City on 
February 13, 1868, of heart disease. He had been disabled 
from active duties by this disease for several years, but un- 
advisedly ran to overtake a Fourth Avenue car, and died in 
the car. 

Mr. Beach was a colonel in the Volunteer Militia, also a 
Justice of the Peace. While studying law he was editor of a 
newspaper, entitled The Catskill Village Whig. 

Four children survived him, viz. : i. Edward Cunningham 

Beach, now resident in Gloucester City, N. J. 2. Edvrard 

James Beach, now residing in New York City. 3. Anna 

Stirling Beach, Catskill, N. Y. 4. Frank Henry ,ian officer 

in the United States Army, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

We quote a few sentences from a letter of the Rev. George 
A. Howard, D.D,, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Cats- 
kill, He says : " Mr. Beach was a consistent and influential 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and was universally 
esteemed in this community for his intelligence, uprightness, 
decision of character and kindly courtesy. He made many 
and strong friends, although he always showed that he had 
the courage of his convictions, and he was intensely loved by 
those who were nearest him." 

CHARIvES SHEPARD BEARDSLEY, ESQ. 

Charles Shepard Beardsley was born in Scipio Town- 
ship, Cayuga County, N. Y., April 15, 1815. His parents 
were Charles Sherman Beardsley and Mrs. Hannah (Durkee) 
Beardsley. He was prepared for college at Homer, N. Y., 
under the tuition of Mr. Samuel Woolworth, and entered 
the Junior Class at Princeton College in 1836. He was a 
member of the Cliosophic Society. 

As we recollect Beardsley in his college days, he was above 
the average height; rather slender than otherwise; wore a 
bright and cheerful countenance ; was sociable and amiable in 



40 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1 838. 

disposition ; orderly and strictly moral ; yet fond of a good 
joke and not averse from fun; well liked by all his fellow- 
students, fairly industrious as a student, and an excellent 
speaker. 

After his graduation, Mr. Beardsley studied law one year 
under the illustrious William H. Seward, at one time Governor 
of the State of New York, and afterwards Secretary of State in 
the Cabinet of President Abraham Lincoln. He then aban- 
doned the law, for what reason is not known to us, and became 
a farmer. And a farmer he has continued to be unto this time. 

Mr. Beardsley was married April 9, 1843, in Auburn, N. Y., 
to Miss Alida R. Ten Eyck, daughter of Conrad R. Ten Eyck, 
Esq., of that city. He reports that he has five sons and one 
daughter, viz.: i. Charles S., a lawyer, who married Miss 

Ellen Hulbart, and practices law in New York City. 2. 

George T., who is married, and lives in Lafayette, Ind. 3. 

Henry W., who married Miss Fanny Cox, and lives in New 

York City. 4. Frank C, who married a Miss McNeill, and 

lives in Portland, Me.— — 5. Edmund, who is single, and lives 

in New York City. 6. Alida R., married to Mr. John Sit- 

tington and living in Rochester, N. Y. He also tells us that 
he is the happy progenitor of fifteen grand-children. 

Mr. Beardsley informs us that he is a decided Presbyterian ; 
that he has received no offices of any kind ; that he wears no 
title, and that he has published nothing whatever. He is just 
plain Charles S. Beardsley. He was present at our grand 
Class-meeting on June 20, 1888, full of life and good spirits. 
Since then, after his return from a western trip, he badly hurt 
his hand and could not write for some time. But his general 
health is excellent. His address is Auburn, N. Y. And his 
letters show that he is as full of affection for his Alma Mater 
and his class-mates as he was when a student in the college. 
Perhaps even fuller. 



PRINCKTON COLLEGK. 41 

CHARLES THEODORE BELLOWS, A.M. 

Charles Theodore Bellows was a son of Mr. Charles H. 
Bellows and Mrs. Lucinda Bellows, of Newburgh, N. Y. He 
was born in New York City, July 15, 1818, and was finally 
prepared for college under the instructions of the Rev. Samuel 
H. Phinney of Newburgh. He entered college at the begin- 
ning of the Sophomore year in the fall of 1835, and became a 
member of the Whig Society. He was a quiet and gentle- 
manly youth, slender in person, of a pale countenance, and 
evidently delicate in health. He mingled little in the sports 
and enjoyments of his associates, and was fairly studious and 
attentive to all his college duties. 

After his graduation, he studied law in the office of John A. 
Millard, Esq., at Troy, N. Y., and afterwards with ^e same 
gentleman in New York City. But we cannot learn that he 
ever attempted to practice. Most probably his health was 
not adequate to the effort. He was never married. 

Mr. Bellows died in Brooklyn, N. Y.. December 15, 1856, 
of consumption, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, near 
that city. 

JAMES LEWORTHY BERRIEN. 

James Leworthy Berrien was born in New York City, 
December 15, 18 19. His parents were Daniel Berrien, a 
manufacturer of and dealer in brushes, in Pearl Street, New 
York, and Sarah (Pettingill) Berrien, who was born in New- 
burgh, N. Y. 

Mr. Berrien entered the Sophomore Class at College in 
1835, and joined the Cliosophic Society. He was not at all 
addicted to hard study, but on the contrary was indolent in 
his habits, and irregular in his attendance, and when he was 
graduated came out as one of the lowest dozen in scholarship. 
If any spree or disturbance occurred, Berrien was tolerably 
certain to have a hand in it. Yet he possessed fair natural 
abilities, was jovial, frank in his manner, and rather popular 
with a certain set. 



42 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

After his graduation he studied law with Horace Holden, 
Esq., then an eminent lawyer of New York City. Here his 
college habits seem to have followed him. One who is now 
a prominent lawyer in New York, and who was his fellow- 
student in Mr. Holden's law-office, writes of him : " I know 
nothing good of him. He had no church associations, but 
the very opposite. His associations were bad. He learned 
enough law to pass his examinations and be admitted to the 
Bar, but he had no success in the profession and soon dropped 
out of sight." For some time he had an office in Peck Slip. 
About 1846 he is said to have gone to California, and to have 
spent there six or seven years, but in 1853 he was again in 
New York City, where he continued to reside until his death. 
From 1870 until 1875 he held the position of Notary in con- 
nection with the Mechanics' and Traders' Bank. He died of 
brain disease on June 16, 1875, having been blind for several 
years before his death, which is said to have occurred in an 
asylum. 

We have heard a report that Mr. Berrien was married and 
had children not long after he began to practice law, but 
obtained no satisfactory evidence of the truthfulness of the 
report. On June 16, 1864, he married Jean M. Stilwell, 
daughter of Gaskill Stilwell, of New Jersey. They had one 
child, Ellen Nicholson Berrien. His widow, some years ago, 
married a Mr. Smith, and resides on Long Island. 

Mr. Berrien was a man of good presence, courteous and 
winning manners, and was always a great favorite among the 
ladies. His near relatives, parents, brothers and others, a 
large family fifty years ago, have all passed away. His life- 
history, although nearly all his life was passed in the city of 
New York, has been by far a more difficult one to trace than 
has been that of any other member of the Class of 1 838. 

JAMES VAN ZANDT BLANEY, A.M., M.D. 

James Van Zandt Blaney was born May i, 1820, at New 
Castle, Del. He was a son of Cornelius Dushane Blaney and 
Mrs. Susan (Cannon) Blaney of that city, and was prepared 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 43 

for college by Professor Agnew, of Newark, Del., and entered 
the Class of 1838 at the beginning of its Senior year, when 
he also became a member of the Whig Society. He was 
bright, vivacious, versatile, a charming talker and an attractive 
companion. He studied diligently and zealously, but his 
efforts were mainly directed to Natural Philosophy and Chem- 
istry ; while for the Languages and Mathematics he cared 
comparatively little. He was a great favorite of Professor 
Joseph Henry and of Professor John Torrey, whom he 
assisted, out of study hours, in their laboratories. He re- 
mained a year after his graduation in order further to acquaint 
himself, under the direction of those Professors, with his 
favorite branches of knowledge. He then took up the study 
of medicine and received his degree of M.D. from the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania in ^842. 

Almost immediately afterwards he went to Chicago and 
established himself as a practitioner of medicine. His pro- 
fessional career was eminently successful, and his large and 
lucrative practice as a physician was continued until 1861. 
Indeed there were many families who felt unwilling to relin- 
quish his attendance upon them, even up to the time of his 
last illness. 

Dr. Blaney's highest triumphs and his widest fame were 
achieved outside of his medical practice. When he went to 
Chicago in 1842 he organized, in connection with Dr. Brain- 
ard, the Rush Medical College in that city, gave the first 
course of lectures ever delivered therein, and held until 1866 
the Professorship of Chemistry. One who was familiar with 
him in those days writes : " His lectures were marked with 
unusual brilliancy. He possessed great power in instructing 
students, and an especial faculty for exciting enthusiasm in 
scientific subjects. As a lecturer he was ready and accurate, 
and by his methods and manners impressed his ideas forcibly 
upon his hearers. He was a man of quick perceptions, un- 
usual natural ability and culture, and of vast acquirements in 
his chosen fields of chemistry, geology, metallurgy and kin- 
dred subjects." 

On the breaking out of the civil war, in 1861, Dr. Blaney 



44 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

entered the army as a surgeon of volunteers, and during its 
continuance filled many positions of responsibility, and ac- 
quired a wide reputation by his signal ability. He was sta- 
tioned for some time at Norfolk, Va., holding the responsible 
post of Medical Director ; was for a time on the staff of Gen. 
David Hunter, and towards the close of the war was appointed 
Medical Purveyor and stationed at Chicago, where he had 
charge of vast quantities of medical stores. 

For several years before the war Dr. Blaney resided at 
Evanston, 111., a few miles from Chicago, and was also con- 
nected with the North Western University as Professor of 
Chemistry. 

Dr. Blaney returned from the war broken down in health, 
but still continued his lectures at the Rush Medical College. 
Upon the death of President Brainard in 1866, Dr. Blaney 
succeeded him as president, and filled that position about 
eight years until just before his death, when, owing to the 
state of his health, he resigned. He was a Free Mason, and 
attained a very high position in the Masonic Order. He also 
founded and edited for many years The Chicago Medical 
Journal. 

Dr. Blaney was a man of strict integrity. He at one time 
possessed ^75,000 in ready money, but the casualties of busi- 
ness plunged him in debt, and he honorably gave up his last 
dollar to meet his obligations. He was also one of the most 
genial of men, possessing wonderful conversational powers, 
and was the idol of every circle in which he moved. 

His death ensued from dropsy, resulting from organic dis- 
ease of the heart, after a long and tedious illness. He never 
became a member of any church, although he was a regular 
attendant at one of the Presbyterian Churches in Chicago, 
whose pastor was a frequent visitor at his bedside. This 
clergyman says of our classmate : " There were deep religious 
thoughts in his heart. A year ago I found in him a firm be- 
lief in God. During his fatal illness his soul looked upward 
to its God. Especially was this so during the last day of his 
illness. He joined with me in prayer and gave his thoughts 
entirely to religious subjects. It was easy for him to draw 
near to God." He died in Chicago December 11, 1874. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 45 

Dr. Blaney married, July 8, 1847, Miss Clarissa Butler, 
daughter of Walter Butler, Esq., of Chicago. He left a widow 
and four children. Some years after Dr. Blaney's death Mrs. 
Blaney married Edward Howe, Esq., of Princeton, N. J., 
where she still lives. His four children were : i. James Rid- 
dle Blaney, who studied medicine at the Rush Medical College, 
in Chicago; devoted himself to the study of chemistry; 
materially assisted his father in his researches ; married Miss 
Anne Reed Williams, daughter of Mr. John L. Williams, of 
Evanston, 111., and died at Princeton, N. J., on September 29, 

1878. 2. Charles Dushane Blaney, who entered Princeton 

College in 1871, remained two years but did not graduate, and 
is now engaged in business in San Diego, Cal. He married 
Miss Isabella Williams, daughter of John Marshall Williams, 

of Evanston, 111. 3. Mrs. Elizabeth Blaney Lyilde married 

Mr. Rollin Harper Lynde and resides in New York City. 

4. Mrs. Clarissa Blaney Rust married Mr. Frank Nelson Rust, 
and lives at Pasadena, Cal. 



CLAYTON BIvACKWEIvL, A.M., M.D. 

Clayton Blackwell was born near Princeton, N. J., May 20, 
1820, on the farm now occupied by Leavitt Howe, Esq. His 
parents were Elijah and Mrs. Eliza Blackwell. His older 
brother, John Harrison Blackwell, M.D., was graduated in 
1825; received his medical degree from the University of 
Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1829; practiced law in Can- 
ada and died there in 1871, 

Clayton Blackwell attended for some years the white 
stone Academy on Washington St., in Princeton (which has 
now entirely disappeared), and was finally prepared for col- 
lege by the Rev. Charles C. Sears, He entered college in 
1834 at the beginning of the Freshman year. He was a 
member of the Cliosophic Society. He was regular and faith- 
ful in his performance of all the prescribed duties of the insti- 
tution; was friendly, sociable and agreeable in his manners; 
and formed many strong and life-long attachments among his 



46 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1838. 

companions. At his graduation he came out i6th in scholar- 
ship among his 75 classmates. 

After graduating in 1838, he went to Mississippi and taught 
for some years in a private family in the vicinity of Natchez, 
after which he entered upon the study of medicine and re- 
ceived his degree of M.D. in 1845 from the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. In 
the same year (1845) he went to Texas and established him- 
self near Clinton, De Witt Co., in that State, in the practice 
of his profession, which soon became extensive and lucrative, 
so that he acquired a very snug property. In 1849 his 
younger brother, Mr. Montgomery Blackwell, went from 
Princeton, N. J., and joined Dr. Blackwell, which led the lat- 
ter to engage in the business of raising and selling live stock, 
to which the younger brother devoted his time and attention, 
while the Doctor continued to practice medicine. On March 
4, 1852, he married Mrs. Miriam G. Bell, a widow lady with 
four children, who resided near Clinton, where she owned a 
plantation and was a person of considerable pecuniary ability. 

Doctor Blackwell died January 18, 1854, after suffering for 
three and a half years from the prolonged and painful inroads 
of consumption. In Texas, as before in Princeton, he was 
greatly beloved by all who knew him. He was, in his pref- 
erence and attendance, a Presbyterian, but we have not learned 
that he ever became a member of any church. 

He left one son, William A. Blackwell, who married, has 
two sons, and lives in Cuero, De Witt Co., Texas. 

We add a few lines written by one who knew him inti- 
mately from his earliest years, viz. : Alexander M. Scudder, 
Esq. (class of 1839), of Athens, Ga. He says: "Clayton 
Blackwell was my nearest neighbor, always accessible, genial 
and amiable. In our numerous walks and conversations and 
plays, he was ever the same gentle and loving companion." 
The writer of these sketches, who was also from early child- 
hood on terms of affectionate intimacy with Clayton Black- 
well, can bear unhesitating testimony to the truthfulness of 
Mr. Scudder's picture of his friend. 



PRINCETON COLLEGK. 47 



GEN. LAWRENCE O' BRIAN* BRANCH. 

Lawrence O'Brian Branch was born at Enfield, Halifax 
County, N. C, on the 28th day of November, 1820. His 
father was Joseph Branch, Esq. ; his mother Susan Simpson 
(O'Brian) Branch. His ancestors were for many years promi- 
nent in the affairs of North CaroHna, both as a colony and as 
a State. His mother died on Christmas Day, 1825, and in 
1826 his father removed to Tennessee with his family, and 
himself died in 1827. Thus left an orphan, Lawrence passed 
under the guardian care of his uncle, Gov. John Branch, who 
brought him back to North Carolina, where he resided until 
the spring of 1829 with his guardian's family. In May, 
1829, Gov. Branch having been appointed Secretary of the 
Navy by President Andrew Jackson, Lawrence accompanied 
him to Washington City, and resided with him there until 
the dissolution of the Cabinet, in 1831, when he returned 
with him to North Carolina. While in Washington he stud- 
ied for a time under Salmon P. Chase, afterwards Governor 
of Ohio, then Secretary of the Treasury and finally Chief 
Justice of the United States. He afterwards had for his pre- 
ceptor William J Bingham, a very distinguished educator of 
North Carolina, in Orange County of that State. In 1835 he 
was sent to the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, 
but did not remain through his Freshman year. 

In the autumn of 1835 he entered Princeton College, join- 
ing the Sophomore Class and the Cliosophic Society. In 
company with him came his two older brothers, Joseph and 
Lewis Henry Branch,t and his cousin, John R. Branch. 

*This middle name is misspelled " O'Brien" in all the " College Catalogues." 

t Joseph Branch was graduated in 1837. He had a large and fine looking phy- 
sique, and was one of the finest speakers of his class. After becoming a lawyer, he 
was Attorney-General of Florida, residing at Tallahassee. He afterwards re- 
moved to Arkansas, where he was cruelly murdered by renegades in 1866. 

Lewis Henry Branch did not graduate. He was born in Halifax County, N. C, 
December 4,1815. After leaving college he became a planter in Leon County, 
Florida, and continued such until his death there, July 25, 1849. He was a good 
man, respected and beloved by all. He left a widow and a son, both of whom are 
now dead. 

For a sketch of John R. Branch, see a page further on. 



48 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI^ASS OF 1 838. 

" Larry" Branch, as he was familiarly called by his college 
associates, was cheerful, yet thoughful ; was much loved, yet 
always highly respected. He was an intense man, of quick 
perception, of clear understanding, of solid convictions and 
of firm purpose ; a man of whom much might safely be ex- 
pected in any profession or walk in life to which he might 
devote himself He was faithfully studious, and came out 
with the seventh grade in a class of seventy-five. He also 
delivered the English Salutatory on Commencement, the day 
of his class' graduation. 

In 1839 M^- Branch went to Tennessee, and studied law 
with Judge John Marshall. While there he also very ably 
edited (incognito) a political paper called The Reserve Corps. 
In November, 1840, he went to Florida, to engage in the 
practice of law, but being not yet twenty-one years of age, 
could not get a license. Such, however, were his precocity 
and prominence that the Legislature of that State passed a 
special act, authorizing him to be licensed, notwithstanding 
his non-age, provided he could pass the necessary examina- 
tion. This he did without difficulty, and became a very 
brilliant and successful lawyer. In the early part of 1841 he 
served as aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Reid in the 
Seminole War, for which service he subsequently received 
two land warrants from the Government. He resided in 
Florida until 1848, actively and successfully prosecuting his 
profession. 

In September of 1848 he removed to Raleigh, N. C, where 
he continued to reside until his death, and to practice his 
profession until 1855. In 1850 he was appointed by Gover- 
nor Manley a member of the Literary Board of North Caro- 
lina. In 1852 he was elected an Elector on the Pierce and 
King Presidential ticket. In October, 1852, he was elected 
President of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company, a 
position he held until May, 1855, when he was elected by the 
Democratic party a member of the United States House of 
Representatives. In 1857 he was elected for a second term 
without opposition, and in 1859 ^^^ ^ third term by an 
almost unanimous vote. In December, i860, on the resigna- 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 49 

tion of the Hon. Howell Cobb, he was tendered by Presi- 
dent Buchanan the high and responsible position of Secre- 
tary of the Treasury of the United States, which he 
promptly declined. In 1861, after his State had seceded, he 
resigned his seat in Congress, and attempted to follow her 
fortunes. At the earnest request of Governor Ellis he ac_ 
cepted the office of Quarter-Master General and Pay- Master 
General of North Carolina, but in September following (1861), 
he was commissioned as Colonel of the Thirty-third Regi- 
ment of North Carolina troops, and on the 17th of January, 
1862, was made a Brigadier-General. Soon after this latter 
appointment Gen. Branch took command at New Berne, 
where he made a gallant stand against Gen. Burnside, but 
was crowded back by superior numbers. He was in many of 
the great battles which followed. He led the first assault 
upon McClellan in the battles around Richmond ; was con- 
spicuous in the second Manassas campaign against Gen. 
Pope ; was in charge of a Division at the capture of Harper's 
Ferry by Jackson just before the battle of Antietam ; and 
was finally killed on the 17th day of September, 1862, in 
that battle, near Sharpsburg, on the front line, while checking 
the advance of Burnside's corps. The following account of 
his death is given by Major John Hughes, of New Berne, 
N. C, who was with him when he was killed : " He had 
swept the enemy from before him, and all firing had ceased 
in his immediate front, when Generals Gregg and Archer di- 
rected his attention to a V-shaped column of the enemy that 
was advancing against the troops on his left. He stepped 
forward, and formed with these generals a little group, which 
evidently attracted the attention of some sharp shooter of the 
other side. For, just as he was raising his field glasses to 
his eyes, a single shot was fired, and a bullet was sent to do 
its deadly work, which, striking him* in the right cheek, 
passed out back of his left ear, and he fell, dying, into the 
arms of a member of his staff. His remains were taken to 
Raleigh. The citizens of Raleigh in mass-meeting passed 
resolutions expressive of their sense of the greatness of the 
loss, and the Lesfislature took action in the same direction. 



50 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

His funeral cortege was grand, solemn and impressive." A 
gentleman of Raleigh adds: "Mr. Branch grew rapidly in 
the estimation of the people of this State, and at the time of 
his death was greatly beloved and respected. He was a man 
of strong traits of character, firm and decided in his convic- 
tions, and decidedly well informed upon general topics. He 
took a prominent part in Congress in discussing many of the 
great issues of that day, and was at one time one of the 
most prominent members from the South." 

Gen. Branch married, April 23, 1844, Miss Nannie Hay- 
wood Blount, only daughter of Gen. William Augustus 
Blount, of Washington, Beaufort County, N. C. She still 
lives and resides in Raleigh, N. C, highly esteemed by all 
who know her. Gen. Branch left four children : i. Susan 
O'Brian Branch, married to Mr. Robert H. Jones, of Durham, 

N. C. 2. William Augustus Blount Branch, who married 

Miss Eliza Blount, and resides on his estate near Washington, 

N. C. 3. Nannie Haywood Branch, who married Arm- 

istead Jones, Esq., an eminent lawyer of Raleigh, N. C, and 

4. Josephine Lawrence Branch, married to Kerr Craige, 

Esq., of Salisbury, N. C.' 



JOHN WILLES BURTON, ESQ. 

John Willes Burton was born at Beatiesford, Lincoln 
County, N. C, March 23, 181 7. His parents were Alfred 
Moore Burton, Esq. (lawyer), and Mrs. Elizabeth (Fulenwider) 
Burton. He was educated first at Beatiesford Academy under 
Robert Alison and afterward at Lincolnton Academy under a 
Mr. Dye. 

Mr. Burton entered the Freshman class at Princeton in the 
early part of 1835, and joined the Cliosophic Society, and 
passed through his course very creditably, graduating with a 
scholarship considerably above the average of his class. He 
was a tall and slender young man, rather delicate in appear- 
ance, but he was active and vigorous, and took rather a dis- 
tinguished part in the games on the back campus. He was 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGE. 51 

quick, impulsive, occasionally under provocation passionate ; 
but was ordinarily gentle, warm-hearted and much liked by 
his companions. 

After leaving college he commenced the study of law, first 
under the tuition of his father at Beatiesford, afterwards at 
Riarson's Law Schools at Mocksville, Davis County, N. C. 
He received his license to practice law in 1841, and imme- 
diately after went to Tennessee, where he established himself 
at Lebanon, and practiced in connection with his kinsman, the 
Hon. Robert M. Burton. While at Lebanon he for a time 
represented his county in the legislature of Tennessee. 

After practicing law in Lebanon, Tenn., about two years, 
he removed in 185 1 to Shreveport, La., in which place he 
had practiced only four years when he was seized with a fatal 
attack of yellow fever, and died at Shreveport, La* January 
12, 1855. 

Mr. Burton was never married. Those who knew him in 
his later years have represented his professional attainments 
as being very good, so that he had a fine prospect of success 
and eminence when so suddenly cut off. His mother's family, 
the Fulenwiders of Lincoln County, N. C, were extensive iron 
manufacturers. 



ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD CAMPBELL, ESQ. 

Alexander Spotsvvood Campbell, son of John Wilson 
Campbell and Mrs. Mildred Walker (Moore) Campbell, was 
born at Petersburg, Va., March 10, 181 8. He was prepared 
for college at Petersburg, under the training of Jonathan 
Smith, entered the Junior Class in Princeton College in 1836, 
and became a member of the Whig Society. 

He was of large frame and stoutly built, and of quiet, retir- 
ing and orderly habits. After his graduation he devoted him- 
self to the study of law, and attended the Law School of Judge 
Lomax, at Fredericksburg, Va. He writes : " In the course of 
a year or two after I came to the bar, I married, and under 
the force of circumstances gave up the law and became a 



52 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

plain Virginia farmer." He has continued to be and still is, 
a farmer. 

He married, April 17, 1844, Miss Mary Ann Tyler Horner, 
daughter of Mr. Robert Richard Horner, who resided near 
Warrenton, Va. He reports that he has had eight children, 

to wit: I, John Wilson; 2, Mary Horner; -3, Mildred 

Moore; -4, William Horner; 5, Robert Richard; 

6, Josephine Horner ; 7, Harry Tyler ; 8, Alexander 

Spotswood. 

His son Robert Richard married a daughter of Col. John 
S. Mosby, is a lawyer, resides at Warrenton, Va., and is Re- 
corder of that town. We are indebted to the courtesy of this 
gentleman for much of the information obtained concerning 
his father. Mr. Campbell's son Harry Tyler married the 
daughter of an English gentleman named Muller. 

Mr. Campbell states that he has never published anything ; 
has never held any civil office, nor any other office than that 
of sergeant in an artillery company during the war of 1861-65. 

His mother, who died a few years ago, aged about 98 years, 
was a great-granddaughter of Sir Alexander Spotswood. His 
only brother, Charles Campbell, was the author of " The His- 
tory of Virginia," published in 1859. 

Mr. Campbell is a Presbyterian, and was in early life a 
member of the Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, 
Va., of which the Rev. Moses D. Hoge, D.D., is pastor. The 
writer is informed that " he is well-preserved, looking young 
when we consider his ags, but his hearing is much impaired. 
He is something of a recluse, and leads a very quiet and 
retired life." Mr. Campbell, himself, writes : " My post-office 
address is Loch Raven, Baltimore County, Md., where I own 
a small farm of forty acres and have made my home for the 
last four or five years." He was not present at our memorable 
class-meeting on June 20, 1 888. In a note received by the writer 
a fortnight before that meeting, Mr. Campbell says : " Most 
gladly would I embrace the opportunity thus afforded of 
meeting once more my dear old class-mates, but I regret to 
say that circumstances forbid my entertaining any such hope. 
Should I fail to come, please convey to one and all my old 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGE. 53 

friends who may be with you, my warmest and most affec- 
tionate regards." 



JAMES SAMUEL CARPER, ESQ. 

James Samuel Carper was born at Republican Mill, Fair- 
fax Co., Va., January i, 1819. His father was Philip Freder- 
ick Carper ; his mother Mrs. Catharine (Drill) Carper. His 
father owned the Mill above-mentioned, which was on the 
stage road from Leesburg to Alexandria, and his lands at one 
time adjoined the Mount Vernon estate When a child James 
attended with his mother the Episcopal Church near Alexan- 
dria, in which Gen. Washington was once accustomed to 
worship. He was prepared for college by P. T. Renney, a 
classical teacher of Fairfax Co. At the age of fifteen ne went 
to Amherst College, Mass., where he was a Freshman. 

In 1836 he entered Princeton College as a Sophomore half- 
advanced, and joined the Cliosophic Society. He was a man 
of large frame and somewhat reserved and quiet manners ; was 
orderly and regular in his habits ; was fairly studious and 
maintained through his course a good average in scholarship. 
He gave much attention to public speaking, and was a self- 
possessed, fluent, graceful and impressive speaker and de- 
bater. He delivered, by appointment of the Cliosophic 
Society, one of the orations on the Fourth of July, 1837, on 
" The Fallacy of our Prophetic Dissolution," and, by appoint- 
ment of the College Faculty, one of the Commencement 
speeches on the day of his graduation, on " The Intellect of 
the Eighteenth Century." 

After leaving College, Mr. Carper studied law with Burr 
W. Harrison, Esq., of Leesburg, Loudoun Co., Va., in which 
place he established himself in the practice of his profession 
for about three years, but was not very successful. He mar- 
ried, June 25, 1846, Miss Elizabeth C. Cost, only child of Mr. 
George Cost (then deceased), of Burkittsville, Frederick Co., 
Md., which place became his home for the remainder of his 
life. He had no children. Mrs. Carper still lives and resides 
in Burkittsville. 



54 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1 838. 

Mr. Carper was fond of poetry and politics, and was to the 
last a fluent debater and an attractive speaker. We have 
read several specimens of his poetry, some of which were 
admirable. Under the administration of Taylor and Fillmore 
he held the office of Chief Clerk under the Third Auditor in 
one of the Departments at Washington. In 1856 he was 
elected a member of the Maryland Legislature, and continued 
to be a member for several years. 

In October, 1876, Mr. Carper visited the Centennial Exhi- 
bition in Philadelphia, and was taken very sick while there, 
but rallied and spent a very pleasant Christmas among his 
friends. But he was afterwards overtaken by a snow-storm 
when returning from Frederick City to his home, which ex- 
posure brought on typhoid pneumonia that resulted in his 
death on Feb. 9, 1877. He died and was buried at Burkitts- 
ville, Frederick Co., Md. 

His widow, in writing of him, incidentally gives this high 
eulogium : " I often heard him speak of his classmates (your- 
self included). He had traveled much and was an accom- 
plished gentleman and an exemplary husband. To my aged 
mother, who survived him two years, he ever manifested the 
most tender and chivalrous courtesy. His nature was refined, 
and culture brought out all the noble qualities of his generous 
heart." Happy is that man whose widow, twelve years after 
his death, can offer to his memory such a testimony. 



WIIvLIAM GARDNER CAZENOVE, Lly.B. 

William Gardner Cazenove was born at Alexandria, D. C, 
(now Virginia) October 27, 18 19, and was a son of Antoine 
Charles Cazenove and Mrs. Anne (Hogan) Cazenove. He 
was of an ancient and honorable French family ; but his 
father was a native of Geneva in Switzerland, his ancestors, 
who were Huguenots, having sought refuge in that place. 
Our classmate was placed in his boyhood at the famous 
school of Benjamin Hallowell in Alexandria. After some 
preparatory studies at Georgetown College, District of Co- 



PRINCETON COI.LEGE. 55 

lumbia, and at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, 
he entered Princeton College in 1836, uniting with the Junior 
Class and with the Cliosophic Society. As a student, he was 
bright, genial, active, gentlemanly and industrious, and was 
graduated with a very creditable rank for scholarship. 

After leaving Princeton, he studied law for a while in the 
office of Robert J. Taylor, Esq. He was then matriculated 
as a student of law at the University of Virginia at Charlottes- 
ville, where he received the degree of LL.B. in 1841, and 
soon after entered on the practice of his profession in Charles- 
town, Jefferson County, Virginia. Subsequently he moved to 
Alexandria, Va., where he continued to practice law for a time, 
but soon abandoned the law and engaged with his brother, 
Louis Albert Cazenove, in mercantile business, which he 
prosecuted with great success until the beginning dS the civil 
war in 1861, when he warmly espoused the cause of the 
Confederacy. Soon after he was elected a member of the 
Legislature of Virginia, in which he served two years. Sub- 
sequently he was commissioned as Captain in the Quarter- 
master's Department, and continued to serve the Confederacy 
until the fall of Richmond. At the close of the war he re- 
turned to Alexandria, was elected Vice-President of the Vir- 
ginia Midland Railroad, and spent the remainder of his life 
directing his energies to promoting its prosperity. 

Mr. Cazenove married, April 29, 1847, Mary Elizabeth, 
only daughter of Judge Robert Stanard, of Richmond, Va. 
They had four children: i. Anthony Charles Cazenove, un- 
married, resides in Baltimore, Md. 2. Mary Stanard, who 

died aged three years. 3. Anne, who died in Boston in 

1866. 4. Constance Gardner Cazenove, was married De- 
cember 27, 1883, to Judge Robert Emmet Waller, of Spott- 
sylvania County, Va., and has since died. 

Mr. Cazenove joined the Protestant Episcopal Church soon 
after he left the University of Virginia. He was many years 
a member of the vestry of Christ Church in Alexandria, and 
frequently attended the Councils of the Diocese. He died 
suddenly at the Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, in West 
Virginia, on August 8, 1877, of disease of the heart. His re- 
mains were buried in Alexandria. 



56 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

He was a man of fortune and of high culture. He was not 
only a church member, but a man of devout spirit, of con- 
sistent life, and was recognized by all who knew him as a 
genuine Christian. His intellect was clear and vigorous, and 
his mind was enlarged by reading and travel. His tempera- 
ment was ardent, and he possessed a flow of animal spirits 
rarely met with. His cultivation of humor made him an 
agreeable companion ; his warm, true heart made him a de- 
voted and unselfish friend ; and his decision of character and 
sound judgment, united to an unswerving devotion to princi- 
ple, made him a valued and trusted counsellor. He possessed 
strict integrity ; a nice sense of honor ; was above all that 
was mean or base ; prompt and faithful in fulfilling his pro- 
mises ; a friend to the poor ; abounding in quiet acts of 
charity ; and an ally of true Christian benevolence in every 
form. 

EDWARD SAMUEL ClyARKE, A.M. 

Edward Samuel Clarke, son of Israel Clarke, M.D., and 
Mrs. Elizabeth (Van Cleve) Clarke, was born at Clarkesville, 
Mercer Co., N. J., about four miles from Princeton, N. J., 
October 24, 1820. John W. Van Cleve, of the College Class 
of 1786, was Mrs. E. V. Clarke's brother. James I. Clarke, 
A.M., M.D., of the Class of 1806, was a half-brother of our 
class-mate, Edward S. Clarke. He was a practicing physician 
in Trenton, N. J., and died there in 1845. 

Edward S. Clarke was a pupil at the Classical and Com- 
mercial High School at Lawrenceville, N. J., where he was 
prepared for college under the Rev. Isaac V. Brown, D.D., 
and A. H. Phillips, A.M. In 1836 he entered the Sophomore 
Class, half-advanced, and became a member of the Whig 
Society. In those days he was of medium size, a bright and 
cheerful countenance, distinguished for neatness in dress and 
appearance, always and under all circumstances a gentleman 
in his manners, orderly, studious, sociable and attractive. 

After his graduation, he did not endeavor to enter either 
of the learned professions, but devoted himself to mercantile 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 57 

business, entering in 1845 the large and well-established 
house in Philadelphia of which Mr. William R. Thompson 
was the head, and which was engaged in the East India 
trade. In 1848 he became a partner in that house, and in 
185 1 the firm assumed the name of "Thompson, Clarke & 
Young." He continued in that business, with great success 
and advantage to himself, until 1867, since which time he has 
been engaged, in various ways, in promoting the welfare of 
his fellow-men and of the city in which he resides. 

Mr. Clarke was married June 4, 1853, to Miss Margaret 
Thompson, daughter of Mr. William R. Thompson, merchant, 
of Philadelphia, and head of firm above mentioned. She died 
August 15, 1858, and since that date he has remained unmar- 
ried. He had only one child, — a son, who died in infancy. 

Mr. Clarke has held, and still holds, many and diversified 
offices. I. He became a Director in 1859 (and still is one) in 
the Philadelphia National Bank. 2. Since 1861 he has been 
a Director in the Insurance Company of North America. 3. 
Since about 1883 he has been a Manager of the Philadelphia 
Savings Fund, 4. Ever since i860 he has been a Manager 
of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 5. He is a Di- 
rector in the Academy of Fine Arts. 6. A Director in the 
Female School of Design. 7. Since 1853 he has been a 
Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences. 8. He is a 
Director in the Industrial School of Art (Spring Garden In- 
stitute). He also expends much time and thought upon 
various other institutions with which he is connected — insti- 
tutions financial, benevolent, educational, etc. Quietly and 
unostentatiously he is doing much to elevate, and cheer, and 
bless his fellow-men. His residence is at No. 712 Spruce St., 
Philadelphia. He was present and took an active part in our 
Fiftieth Anniversary Class-meeting on June 20, 1888. He 
attends the Presbyterian Church, but is not a member. 



58 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 



HON. WILLIAM SHINN CLAWSON. 

William Shinn Clawson was born October 2 2d, 1816, at 
Woodstown, Salem County, N. J. His parents were Israel 
Clawson, M.D , and Charlotte (Shinn) Clawson. His brother, 
Isaiah D. Clawson, si.K years younger, was a Princeton gradu- 
ate of 1840, received the degree of M.D. from the University 
of Pennsylvania in 1843, practiced medicine in Woodstown and 
died there in 1872. 

William Shinn Clawson was prepared for college first at the 
Lawrenceville (N.J.) High School, under A. H.Phillips, A.M., 
and the Rev. Samuel Hamill, D.D., and later in the Academic 
Departmant of Newark (D^l.) College under Nelson Z. Graves, 
entering Newark College in the autumn of 1834 and remain- 
ing two years. 

In the fall of 1836 he entered the Junior class at Princeton 
College, becoming a member of the Whig Society. He was a 
stout young man, of large and strong frame; was social, cheer- 
ful and often jocose in manner ; was fairly studious and was 
graduated with a respectable average grade. He cultivated 
oratory, and was a good and impressive speaker. 

After his graduation Mr. Clawson studied law under Francis 
L. McCullough, Esq., of Salem, N. J., and, having received 
license, settled in the practice of his profession in his native 
village of Woodstown, where he remained in the enjoyment of 
a successful and lucrative practice until his death. He received, 
February 23, 1859, the appointment of Judge of the Supreme 
Court of New Jersey, the duties of which high office he per- 
formed with credit to himself and satisfaction to all parties 
concerned. But he was not to continue long upon the bench. 
After a brief attack of congestion of the brain, he died at 
Woodstown June 17, 1861. A large marble column, signifi- 
cantly broken off at the top, and wreathed with ivy — the most 
imposing monument in the cemetery — marks his grave. 

Judge Clawson married February 27, 1849, Miss Abigail 
Rose Keen, daughter of Mr. Moses Keen, of Lower Penn's 
Neck, Salem County, N. J. She was left an orphan at an 



PRINCETON COIvLEGE. 59 

early age, and after her father's death resided at Woodstown 
with her uncle. They were married at Princeton, N. J., by 
President Carnahan. They had no children. After Judge 
Clawson's death his widow married Mr. A. R. Hackett, of 
Bridgeton, N. J. She is still living and a second time a 
widow. 

Judge Clawson is said to have been "a man of remarkable 
spirit and energy, of good attainments and of thoroughly up- 
right character. He was not a member of any church, but 
was a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church of Woods- 
town, of which he was also a Trustee." 



HENRY LAWRENCE COBB, A.M. 

% 

Henry Lawrence Cobb was born August 9, 18 19, at Troy 
(now called Troy Hills), Morris County, N. J. His parents 
were Henry Cobb and Mrs. Maria (Baldwin) Cobb. He was 
prepared for college partly by his pastor, the Rev. John Ford, 
and more fully at the school of the Rev. Ezra Fairchild, D.D., 
at Mendham, N. J. 

He entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton College in 
the autumn of 1835, and became a Clio. He was quiet, 
orderly and studious, and graduated with a rank for scholar- 
ship considerably above the average of his class. 

After his graduation in 1838, he spent one year in Plainfield, 
N. J., studying law and at the same time teaching in the school 
of his former instructor, Dr. Ezra Fairchild, who had removed 
to Mendham. In the winter of 1839-40 he went to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he continued the study of law until he was 
licensed, after which he was for a time associated in practice 
with Beverly Allen, Esq. He was also for some years Junior 
Editor of The Western Journal and Civilian, in the conduct of 
which paper he was associated both as Editor and Proprietor 
with M. Tanner, Esq. He became especially interested in the 
railroads, marble quarries and mineral and other resources of 
Missouri, and wrote many newspaper articles in reference to 
them. Well-informed Missourians have stated that the advo- 



60 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

cacy of Mr. Cobb's pen did much to aid the development of 
the mineral resources of that State. 

While living in St. Louis he had a stroke of paralysis, soon 
after which, in November, 1874, he returned to his native 
place in New Jersey, where he quietly spent the remainder of 
his days, enjoying the society of his relatives and friends. 
Mr. Cobb was never married. While living in St. Louis he 
became a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
to the end of his life manifested a devoutly Christian spirit. 
His relatives testify that to the end his life was peaceful, 
Christlike and thoroughly resigned to the divine will. He 
died very suddenly, April 15, 1887, while seated at the dinner- 
table, one account says of apoplexy, another of paralysis of 
the heart. 



EUSHA WHITAKER CONKLING, A. M. 

Elisha Whitaker Conkling was a son of Isaac Conkling 
and Mrs. Sarah (Hall) Conkling, and was born at Basking 
Ridge, Somerset County, N. J., August 2, 1819. He was a 
member of a highly respectable and very excellent family. 
His brother, Mr. Oscar Conkling, was for some years a mem- 
ber of the New Jersey legislature. He was prepared for 
college in a select classical school at Basking Ridge. 

He entered Princeton College early in the year 1836, as a 
Sophomore half-advanced, and joined the Cliosophic Society. 
He was of medium-sized stature, of a bright and pleasant 
countenance ; of mild, amiable and sociable manners, and was 
well liked by all his associates. He was thoroughly correct 
in his deportment, attentive to every duty, and consistently 
religious in his character. As a scholar he was a little below 
the average, but not much so. 

After his graduation, Mr. Conkling devoted himself to 
teaching. He taught first at Danville, Pa., two years ; then 
at Hackettstown, N. J., about one year; then at Basking 
Ridge, N. J., two years ; then again at Danville, Pa., until 
1850. In the latter year he established at Danville a book 
and stationery store, afterwards associating with it a Foreign 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 61 

Exchange Office and an Express Agency. At the breaking 
out of the civil war in 1861, he joined the army, serving as a 
private in "The Conkhng Guards." He remained in the 
service, however, but a short time, nor is it known that he was 
engaged in any actual fighting. He was a prominent citizen 
of Danville for many years and for some time held the office 
of Chief Burgess, 

His life was useful and honorable, but smooth and unevent- 
ful. The writer met him in Philadelphia not many years 
before his death, and found him singularly unchanged by the 
lapse of years, both in personal appearance and in manners. 
He died of pneumonia, March 25, 1887, 

Mr. Conkling married, March 27, 1843, Miss Margaret Ellen 
Hibler, daughter of Jacob Hibler, of Danville, Pa. He left 
no children. An adopted daughter, fully grown, died a few 
weeks before Mr. Conkling. His widow still resides in Dan- 
ville. 

He was from his early life a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and as such was always influential, consistent and 
useful. One who was in his employ since 1850. and his asso- 
ciate in business since 1866, says of him : " During all these 
years there never was a word of difference between us. He 
was a man of singularly uniform temperament and possessed of 
numerous virtues. He stood high in the community, and was 
a good business man, whose word was as good as his bond. 
He took great interest in the welfare and advancement of the 
young, and assisted several young men through college." 



LEWIS CONDICT COOK, A.M., M.D. 

Lewis Condict Cook was born at Stewartsville, Warren 
County, N. J., December 16, 1818. His parents were Silas 
Condict Cook, of Hackettstown, N. J., and Mrs. Mary (Hynd- 
shaw) Cook. He was prepared for college under the tuition 
of Joseph McCord, a Princeton graduate of 1825. 

He entered Princeton College in 1836, as a Sophomore half- 
advanced, and joined the Cliosophic Society. He was grave, 



62 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

steady and orderly in his demeanor, yet always friendly and 
agreeable. In person he was of average height, muscular, 
active, decidedly good-looking. He was attentive to all the 
studies and duties of the class, and was graduated with a grade 
for scholarship considerably above the average. 

After graduating he devoted himself to the study of medi- 
cine, and received his degree of M.D. from the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1842. He then settled to the practice of his 
profession in Hackettstown, N. J., where, with the exception 
of one interval, from 1857 to 1861, he continued to practice 
until he died. There is little to tell of his remaining years. 
He had a large and advantageous practice. He was held in 
the highest esteem by the community in which he dwelt, and 
was regarded as a thoroughly well-informed, judicious and 
skilful physician. The writer of this sketch met Dr. Cook in 
1868 at Schooley's Mountain, a few miles from his home, and 
had a delightful interview with him. His face beamed and his 
eye sparkled with interest as we talked over college days and 
college friends. He was then grown to stouter proportions, 
and was a really noble-looking man ; but his face and his 
manner were unchanged by the lapse of thirty years. 

Dr. Cook married at Elizabeth, N. J., March 17, 1852, Mrs. 
Janet Eaton, whose father was Capt. William Hall, of England. 
Mrs. Cook died before her husband. They had three children, 
only one of whom survived their father. That one, Silas 
Pierson Cook, was graduated from Princeton College in 1874, 
and is now a lawyer in Hackettstown. 

Dr. Cook died at Hackettstown January 10, 1874, of typho- 
malarial fever, and is buried in the Union Cemetery of that 
place. He united with the Hackettstown Presbyterian Church 
in 1832 on profession of his faith, and ever after adorned his 
profession by his loving spirit and his exemplary life. For 
many years before his death he held the office of deacon in 
that church, and on the church roll, opposite his name, and 
inscribed by his friend who was then pastor of the church, 
stand the words, " an honored deacon and a useful physician^ 



PRINCETON COI.LEGE. 63 



JONATHAN CORY, A.M. 

Jonathan Cory, son of Benjamin and Susanna Cory, was 
born at Westfield, Union County, N. J., June 3, 181 2, and was 
prepared for college at the classical school of the Rev. John 
T. Halsey, at Elizabeth, N. J. 

Mr. Cory entered the Sophomore Class in Princeton College 
in 1835, ^ri"^ became a member of the Cliosophic Society. He 
was large in stature ; considerably older than most of his 
classmates ; was clumsy, ungainly and unpolished in manners ; 
but was good-hearted, amiable, friendly, and had a lively 
sense of humor and a good deal of dry wit, so as to be often 
very amusing. He was an avowed and consistent Christian, 
was orderly and regular in his habits, and mainlined an 
average rank in scholarship. 

On leaving College, Mr Cory entered Princeton Theological 
Seminary, intending to become a minister of the Gospel. But 
at the end of a year and a half in the Seminary he relinquished 
this purpose ; was never ordained or even licensed ; and 
devoted the following years to teaching. In 1840 he was a 
teacher at Mount Joy, Lancaster County, Pa , and afterwards 
in other places until the close of the civil war in 1865. He 
then became a missionary to the freedmen in the South, under 
appointment first of the American Missionary Association, 
afterwards of the Presbyterian General Assembly's Committee 
on Missions among the Freedmen. In this work he labored 
zealously and faithfully for a number of years, after which he 
returned to Westfield, his native place, and devoted the remain- 
ing years of his life to farming. 

Mr. Cory married at Westfield, N. J., October 31, 1840, 
Miss Catharine Crane Scudder. This estimable lady outlived 
her husband, and still resides with some of her children in 
Minneapolis, Minn. Mr. Cory had six children, one of whom, 
David B. Cory, died February 26, 1883, before his father. 
The others are: i. Martin L. Cory, who married Miss Annie 

Brew.ster, of Elizabeth, N. J., and lives in Westfield. 2. Miss 

Mary S. Cory, living in Minneapolis, Minn. 3. Frank Cory, 



64 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

married Cornelia J. Tucker, of Elizabeth, N. J. 4. Phoebe S. 

Cory, married Rev. William F. Cosley and lives at Seward, 
Winnebago County, 111. 5. Miss Lizzie Cory, living in Min- 
neapolis, Minn. 

Mr. Cory died of pulmonary apoplexy, after a brief illness, 
at Westfield, on October 16, 1888. We are sorry to learn 
that in his last years he was very poor. But he was a truly 
good man. He united with the Presbyterian Church at West- 
field when he was thirteen years of age. In the last years of 
his life he was a ruling elder in the same church. His friends 
and neighbors all say of him : " He was a very peculiar man, 
but he was a truly good man." 



JAMES STARK LANE CUMMINS, A.M. 

James Stark Lane Cummins was born in Florida, Orange 
County, N. Y., July 14, 18 18. His parents were the Rev. 
Charles Cummins, D.D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Florida for many years, and Mrs. Sarah (Gamble) Cum- 
mins. He received his earlier education at " Hilltop Semi- 
nary," Morris County, N. J., under the Rev. Ezra Fairchild, 
and in 1835 entered the Sophomore Class in Princeton Col- 
lege, becoming also a member of the Whig Society. 

When a student, Mr Cummins was stoutly built, with a 
muscular system well developed, a round and ruddy counte- 
nance, a modest and pleasing manner. He was always or- 
derly, fairly studious and much beloved by a circle of inti- 
mate friends. One thing distinctly remembered through the 
half century since our graduation is his cheery, hearty, cor- 
dial laugh. 

Immediately after he was graduated, Mr, Cummins began 
to study law under Wisner & Phillips at Goshen, Orange 
County, N. Y., and in winter under Samuel L. Wilkin, Esq., 
of New York City. In 1841 he was licensed, began to prac- 
tice, and has continued to do so ever since in New York City 
and with eminent success. For many years he was at the 
head of the widely-known law firm of Cummins, Alexander 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 65 

& Green, but for some years past has not been in that con- 
nection. The legal abilities, learning, acumen and sound 
judgment of Mr. Cummins obtained a full and far-reaching 
recognition of his abilities as a counselor-at-law many years 
ago, and the high reputation he then acquired he still fully 
maintains. We are informed that cases of the highest impor- 
tance and of the greatest difficulty are brought to him from 
distant parts of our country, and are intrusted implicitly to 
his guidance. No details in regard to Mr. Cummins' profes- 
sional life can be given ; for, with that great modesty for 
which lawyers are always noted, he has resolutely declined 
to furnish any information thereon. 

Mr. Cummins married, April 14th, i860, at Windsor House, 
near Churchtown, Lancaster County, Pa., Miss Katharine 
Carmichael Reigart, who still lives to adorn and l^less her 
home. They have one child living, — Miss Elizabeth Reigart 
Cummins. 

Mrs. Cummins' great-grandfather, the Rev. John Carmi- 
chael, was a graduate of Princeton College, Class of 1759. 
(For an account of him, see Dr. Samuel D. Alexander's vol- 
ume, " Pnnceton College during the Eighteenth Century^' page 
58.) Several generations of the Jenkins family of Windsor 
House, her relatives, also contained each a graduate of Prince- 
ton College. Among these were William Jenkins (Class of 
1799), an eminent lawyer, for an account of whom see page 
312 of Dr. S. D. Alexander's book above referred to; David 
Jenkins (Class of 1821), and William Oswald Jenkins (Class 
of 1835), a son of William Jenkins above mentioned. 

Mr. Cummins informs the writer that he had published 
nothing, had received no titles, and had held no office. To 
one of his other class-mates, who had, in addressing a letter 
to him, innocently prefixed to his name the complimentary 
title " Hon.," he writes with well-feigned indignation : " I 
have never yet sunk to the position of an office-holder, and 
therefore do not deserve to have the stigma of ' Hon.' attached 
to my name by any one, much less by an old classmate." 

Mr. Cummins was present at our Class-meeting on June 
20, 1888, at Princeton, and took an active part in its proceed- 
5 



66 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

ings. His presence added greatly to the enjoyablenessof that 
grand occasion, at which all were delighted to see him. 
About two months afterwards he came very near losing 
his life. As he was crossing the railroad track in his carriage 
near Churchtown, Lancaster County, Pa., a train came along, 
and his horses took fright and ran away. He was thrown 
out, and his head struck a stone and was badly bruised. It 
was only through the intervention of a merciful and wonder- 
ful Providence that his life was spared. His recovery was 
slow and tedious. But his classmates all rejoice and are 
grateful to God that it has been complete. 

Mr. Cummins spends a considerable part of his time at 
Windsor House, near Churchtown, Lancaster County, Pa. ; 
but his residence is, and has always since 1840 been, in the 
city of New York, and there he is still practicing law. 



JAMES HAWTHORN CUNNINGHAM, M.D. 

James Hawthorn Cunningham was born at Oxford, Ches- 
ter County, Pa., December 12, 1 8 19, but when only a few 
months old was removed to New London, in the same 
county. His father was Allen Francis Cunningham, M.D., of 
New London, and his mother was Mrs. Abigail (Haw- 
thorn) Cunningham, from Lancaster County, Pa. He was 
prepared for college at the New London Academy, Mr. 
James Magraw, Principal. 

Mr. Cunningham joined the Junior Class in Princeton Col- 
lege in 1837, and became a member of the Whig Society. 
He was of medium stature, rather delicate in appearance, 
staid and thoughtful in manner ; attentive to every duty, and 
was graduated with a very creditable grade. 

After graduating he began the study of medicine, and was 
graduated from the Medical Department of the University of 
Maryland in 1841. He remained another year as a resident 
physician in the Alms House of Baltimore City and County, 
in which he had previously spent two years while a medical 
student. In the spring of 1842 he began the practice of his 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGE. 67 

profession in New London, in which he was successful to an 
unusual degree. There he remained until the spring of 1858, 
when he became cashier of the First National Bank of Ox- 
ford, Pa., and removed to that town. During the years of 
the civil war he was warmly and zealously patriotic. He 
continued in his cashiership until 1866, when his health be- 
came very poor, and he resigned. He died in Philadelphia, 
July 27, 1868, from a disease of the throat, and is buried in 
New London Cemetery. 

Dr. Cunningham married, December 24, 1850, Miss Jane 
E. Nivin, daughter of Mr. John Nivin, of Britain Township, 
Chester County, Pa. His wife survived him, and died May 

27, 1885. He left six children. 1. Lizzie Wilkin, who 

married a Mr. Griffith, and lives in Colorado. 2, Allan 

Francis. 3. John Nivin (now deceased). 4* Annie 

Hawthorne (deceased). 5. Helen Dickey, who married 

Mr. E. B. Clark, and lives in Colorado. 6. Mary Nivin 

(deceased). 

From early years Dr. Cunningham was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, to whose order and doctrines he was 
intelligently and warmly attached. In later years he was a 
ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Pa., and 
unless unavoidably prevented, was with unfailing regularity 
in his place at the church services on the Sabbath and at the 
weekly prayer-meeting. He was a good and a useful man, 
and enjoyed the sincere and profound respect of the whole 
community in which he dwelt. 



ALEXANDER SPOTS WOOD DANDRIDGE, M.D. 

Alexander Spotswood Dandridge was born at "The 
Bower," in Jefferson County, Va., a family homestead, the 
title-deeds of which came to the Dandridge family many 
generations ago, bearing the autograph of Lord Fairfax. He 
was born there November 2, 18 19. His parents were Adam 
Stephen Dandridge, of that place, and Mrs. Sarah Stevens 
(Pendleton) Dandridge, originally of Martinsburg, Va. (now 



68 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

West Virginia). He was prepared for college first by pri- 
vate tutors at his home, and later at the Martinsburg Acade- 
my, under Samuel M. Whann, A.M. His two older broth- 
ers — Adam Stephen Dandridge (class of 1833 and still liv- 
ing), and Philip Pendleton Dandridge (class of 1836; died 
1881), had preceded him in Princeton College. He entered 
the Sophomore Class in 1835, and became a member of the 
Whig Society. 

In person, Mr. Dandridge was above the average height, 
and of fine, full physical development. His hair was auburn, 
inclining to a reddish hue. His face was bright, pleasing and 
alv/ays expressive of intelligence, good-nature and amiability. 
In dress he was extremely neat, and in manners always a 
gentleman, polite and agreeable. While never boisterous, 
there was in his face and speech a glint of sunlit humor, 
which made him unusually attractive.* He was regular and 
orderly in attention to college duties, but only fairly studi- 
ous. 

After his graduation he immediately entered upon the 
study of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, at 
Philadelphia, from which he received his degree of M.D., in 
1 841. Early in 1843 he settled in Cincinnati, and soon se- 
cured wide recognition as a very able and skillful physician, 
together with a large and lucrative practice. In a letter to 
the writer of this sketch he very modestly says : " I settled 
" in Cincinnati early in 1843, and have remained there ever 
" since. Have always been a plain, plodding, general practi- 
'" tioner of medicine and surgery until six years ago, when I 
" was forced to retire by an inherited and acquired proclivity 
" to gout. Since then I have been a quiet ' drone ' in the 
" busy hive of men." A meeting of his medical brethren of 
Cincinnati, held just after his death, speak of his professional 
life in quite a different way. They unanimously voted as fol- 
lows : 

" Beginning his professional life in this city in the year 1843, Dr. 
Dandridge rapidly attained a high position as a physician and surgeon. 

♦This pleasing humor, letters written in the last year of his life, show plainly that 
he retained to the end, even when he was^a sufferer. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 69 

In the good old days, when to be a good surgeon required one first to be 
a good physician, Dr. Dandridge fully realized the truth of this re- 
mark, for he was not only a good surgeon, but also a good physician. 
It is doubtful whether specialism has given us better results, on the 
whole, than were attained by the all-round men like Dr. Dandridge and 
his contemporaries. He was a handsome man in his youth, and 
always a commanding and notable man by his presence in every as- 
sembly and in every house. His genial disposition, his cordial man- 
ners, coupled with his scientific ability, soon won for him a high posi- 
tion and a large clientele. He was born with all the instincts of a gen- 
tleman, and a gentleman he was to the last. He manifested these 
high traits on all occasions to his professional colleagues. What more 
lovable, what more worthy of admiration, what more lasting can a 
man leave to his family, his friends and his professional brethren than 
the memory of a noble, generous and honorable gentleman ? These 
memories Dr. Dandridge has left. 

" He was a man of excellent judgment and a wise counselor. While 
not a contributor to the medical press, his advice to his professional 
colleagues, animated as it was by steadiness and honor, was always of 
great value. For some years he was one of the Trustees of the City 
Hospital, where his advice and experience proved of great benefit. 
Men may come and men may go, but it will be a long time before we 
are called on to pay the last word of tribute to one more noble, more 
high-toned and more lovable as a colleague than Dr. A. S. Dandridge. 

" He died in the firm faith of a Christian, and in this showed forth an 
example to many carried away by the false notions of the day.'' 

Dr. Dandridge married, May 4, 1843, Miss Martha Eliza 
Pendleton, daughter of Colonel Nathaniel Green Pendleton, of 
Cincinnati. She died February 24, 1882. They had ten 
children, of whom four died in infancy ; while his youngest 
son, Mr. Alexander Spotswood Dandridge, died only two or 
three weeks before his father, aged about thirty. His five 
surviving children are : i. Mrs. Jane Pendleton Warren, wife 
of Mr. W. Dalton Warren, of Colorado. 2. Nathaniel Pen- 
dleton Dandridge, M.D., a physician of Cincinnati. 3. Mrs. 

John M. Bowers, of New York City. 4. Mrs. Lewis W. Ir- 
win, of Cincinnati.- And 5. Miss Mary Evelina Dandridge, 

of the same city. He had five grandchildren. 

Dr. Dandridge was a member and one of the vestry of 
Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church, in Cincinnati, for many 
years. He was also one of the Trustees of the City Hospital. 



70 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 83 8. 

In one of his letters he writes : " I greatly deprecated the 
war, [of 1861-65] a"<^ used what little influence I had to per- 
suade my Southern friends to refrain from the step, the result 
of which I foresaw from the first. I took no part, personally, 
in the conflict, other than going as a surgeon of a volunteer 
regiment sent to the field for a few days only, for the defence 
of Cincinnati against a threatened attack of the Confederates." 

His letters, received within the last year or two, have been 
most entertaining, and have given many choice bits of college 
reminiscence. We cannot refrain from giving one or two 
quotations. He wrote : 

" I participated in dragging the cannon from Jug Town to the front 
College Campus.'' 

" Of course you know that it was our class, in the Junior year, that 
sent out, with the consent of the Faculty and the Trustees, committees 
to ask the Alumni for contributions towards building the two literary 
Halls, (Whig and Clio) in the back Campus. Commodore R. F, Stock- 
ton headed the Whig list with a subscription of $1,000, an unheard of 
amount in those days of small fortunes and ideas.'' 

"I remember some ingenious episodes in our college life. For in- 
stance, when, as Sophomores, we had a recitation before breakfast, on the 
ground floor under what was then the Library — which recitation was 
most repugnant to the feelings of those of the class who enjoyed their 
morning ' beauty sleep.' They conceived the idea that they could ef- 
fectively break up so outrageous a custom, and to that end they shut up 
a cow over night in the room, first having provided for her night's orgies 
a wash-tub full of bran, 'Stevey'' [an irreverent name for Professor 
Stephen Alexander] was found equal to the occasion next morning. He 
cast his eye around the room, took in the situation at once, and without 
a change of countenance, took his stand (for there was no place in the 
whole room where he could sit) before his table, and went through the 
usual recitation. I never knew who conceived this plan, but always 
thought that M.D.E., ' Boss ' Carnahan's special ward, was the head 
and front of the affair.*' 

Dr. Dandridge was not present at our class-meeting of 
June 20, 1888, but greatly longed to be there, as he wrote to 
several of his classmates, adding, " but my health is so shat- 
tered by repeated attacks of gout that I cannot say, with any 
degree of certainty, what I may be able to do. My heart will be 
with you, but whether my corpus of near 290 pounds can also 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 71 

be is another question." After the meeting, he wrote: "It 
was a source of great disappointment to me that I was unable 
to be with you on an occasion of such profound interest. But 
I was prevented by an inability to wear shoes (from gout), and 
// zaas too far to go barefooted!' 

At a later day he again wrote, " I shall look forward with 
infinite pleasure to the receipt of the Class Book," Alas ! he 
did not live to see it. On April 27, 1889, in the 70th year of his 
age, he very peacefully passed away to a brighter world. His 
youngest daughter writes — " His disease was chronic Bright's 
disease, which brought on a complication of heart and lung 
trouble. He knew what the end would be, but was ready and 
willing to go, and bore his sufferings without a murmur. He 
was conscious to within two hours before his death." 



JOSEPH HOI.MES DAVIS, A.M. 

Joseph Holmes Davis was born at Cream Ridge, Mon- 
mouth County, N. J,, on September 9, 18 19. His parents 
were William Davis, M,D.. and Mrs. Alice (Holmes) Davis. 
He was prepared for college in the Classical School of the 
Rev. Charles C. Sears at Princeton, N. J. 

Mr. Davis entered the Freshman Class of Princeton College 
in 1834, and the Cliosophic Society, He was large in size 
and firmly built ; somewhat grave and sedate in deportment, 
yet sociable and friendly, correct and upright in character, but 
not studious, and stood far down in his class in scholarship. 

After he graduated Mr. Davis entered into partnership with 
Mr. John Hunt, and under the name of Davis & Hunt was 
engaged in mercantile business in Princeton until 1844. He 
was then employed three or four years in the old Chambers 
Street Savings Bank in New York until his health failed. He 
then spent some time at his father's in Monmouth County, 
and afterwards took a trip through some of the Southern 
States, But his health continued to decline, and he died of 
consumption May 22, 1855, at his father's house, and was 
interred at a burial-ground in that vicinity. 



72 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

He married at Newtown, Pa., November 28, 1839, Miss 
Achsah M. Ely, daughter of Mr. Hugh B. Ely, of Bucking- 
ham, Pa. She died February 3, 1844. He left but one child, 
a daughter, Mary Olden Davis, born November 5, 1841, who 
married Mr. George Eastburn, of Philadelphia, and died May 
8, 1873, leaving one son. Holmes Davis Eastburn, who is now 
preparing to enter Princeton College. 

Mr. Davis was a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian 
Church of Princeton, N. J., from 1845 until 1848. He was 
also a Trustee of the same church from 1846 until 1849. 
After the death of his wife he was anxious to study for the 
ministry, but his friends dissuaded him because of his poor 
health. He was highly respected and esteemed by all who 
knew him. 



REV. WILLIAM ARMSTRONG DOD, A.M., D.D. 

William Armstrong Dod was born at Elizabethtown, (now 
Elizabeth), N. J., June 29, 18 16. His parents were David Dod 
and Mrs. Nancy (Squier) Dod He was a younger brother of 
Prof. Albert Baldwin Dod, D.D., of Princeton College (Class 
of 1822). His preparation for college was obtained in the 
Classical School of the Rev. John T. Halsey at Elizabeth- 
town, N. J. In 1835 he entered the Sophomore Class of 
Princeton College, and joined the Cliosophic Society. 

In stature Mr. Dod was somewhat under the medium size, 
and of a light and rather slender form, was quiet and gentle 
in manner, was thoughtful, often sad, and even at times deeply 
melancholy. His intellect was bright and keen, his memory 
tenacious, his gifts many and various. He was a good writer, 
an excellent speaker, and popular among his fellow-students. 

After his college graduation he studied law ; was a tutor in 
Princeton College, 1840-41 ; then studied law, and for a short 
time practiced it in New York City, until 1844. In that year 
he determined to study for the gospel ministry, and entered 
Princeton Theological Seminary, whence he was graduated, 
after a full course of three years, in 1847. He was ordained 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 73 

as an Evangelist by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, April 25, 
1850; served the Presbyterian Church at Port Richmond, 
Philadelphia, as Stated Supply nearly two years ; and was 
pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church at Princeton, N. J., 
from 1852 to 1859. In the latter year he determined to enter 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was ordained a deacon 
therein ; was further ordained as a presbyter by Bishop Oden- 
heimer, June 3, i860; was installed as Rector of Trinity 
Protestant Episcopal Church at Princeton, N. J., May 10, 1861, 
and continued to hold that position until March, 1866, when 
his health failed, and he ceased to perform any further regular 
public duties. 

Mr. Dod married, October 10, 1850, Miss Catherine Eliza- 
beth Stockton, daughter of Commodore Robert F. Stockton, 
of Princeton. They had four children: i. Harri^ Maria 

Dod. 2. Robert Stockton Dod (Class of 1873), who studied 

for the Episcopal ministry, but now resides upon a ranche in 

Texas. James Potter Dod (Class of 1878) Mary Dod. 

They are all still living. 

Mr. W. A. Dod received, in 1855, while pastor of Princeton 
Second Church, the appointment from the College of " Lec- 
turer on The Fine Arts, including Architecture," which posi- 
tion he held until 1859. His lectures during these years are 
spoken of as having been in a high degree attractive and in- 
structive. 

In the year 1859 he received the degree of Doctor in 
Divinity from Columbia College, N. Y. 

After Dr. Dod relinquished the rectorship of Trinity Church 
in 1866, he continued to live, in very poor health, a quiet and 
retired life until his death, which occurred at Princeton 
December 31, 1872. His widow died March 24, 1874. 



JOHN McAULEY EAGER, A. M., ESQ. 

John McAuley Eager was born at Newburgh, N. Y., Oct. 
13, 1 8 17. His parents were Samuel Watkins Eager, and Mrs. 
Catharine (McAuley) Eager. His father, Mr. Samuel Watkins 



74 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

Eager, was a lawyer in Newburgh, a graduate of Princeton 
College (class of 1809), a Representative in Congress, and 
died at Newburgh, Dec. 23, i860. It was a singular fact that 
during the first year of his course in Princeton College the 
son John occupied the identical room that his father had occu- 
pied nearly thirty years before. 

Mr. Eager was prepared for college under Mr. Jacob C. 
Tooker in the Academy at Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y, 
He joined the Freshman Class in Princeton College in 1834, 
and became a member of the Whig Society. He was of about 
the average height, rather broadly built. His face was some- 
what sharp-featured in its outline, and pleasing. He was not 
an earnest student, and his final grade was low. But he was 
a great reader, a ready and correct writer, and an earnest, 
graceful and impressive speaker. In conversation he was 
fluent and argumentative. Among his recollections of college 
life. Dr. Lewis McKnight gives the following: "Eager and 
Wall were strong politicians of antagonistic parties, and they 
often met in Wall's room which was the northwest corner of 
the upper floor of Old North College, while mine was the 
southeast corner, and as they would get excited in their dis- 
cussions, one could hear them all over that floor, and they 
were often notified that they were a nuisance." Nevertheless, 
Eager excelled, and was popular as a public speaker, and was 
more than once chosen to represent the college or the Whig 
Society on public occasions. 

After his graduation, he studied law with his father at New- 
burgh. On receiving license to practice in 1841, he removed 
to St. Louis, Mo., where he practiced for eleven years. He 
was at one time District Attorney for St. Louis City and 
county. He returned to New York City in 1852, where he 
lived and practiced until his death. After his death the New 
York Tribune said of him, " He was a well-read lawyer, a fine 
scholar, an eloquent advocate and a graceful writer. His 
addresses during the war, in this city and elsewhere, will be 
remembered with pleasure by all who heard them." We can- 
not here do better than to give a portion of a letter very 
kindly sent to the writer by Judge E. L. Fancher, of New 



PRINCETON COI.LEGK. 75 

York City, President of The American Bible Society, who 
knew Mr. Eager intimately. He says : 

In 1856 and 1857, Mr. Eager was my law partner, and we pursued the 
practice of the law under the name of Fancher & Eager ; but he with- 
drew from the firm and substantially from his law practice, in the city 
of New York, shortly after his second marriage in 1857, He came from 
St. Louis to New York, having begun his early practice in that western 
city. His reputation then was brilliant and promising, both as a good 
lawyer and an eloquent speaker. During the time he was associated 
with me his practice was successful and lucrative, and he gave promise 
of soon reaching the front rank of his profession. Mr. Eager married 
a second time in 1857, and his second wife was a lovely lady. Soon 
after this marriage Mr. Eager was much absent from New York, travel- 
ling and visiting, and, as I have heard, his practice diminished. Not 
many years afterward I heard that coming to New York, he had died 
of some sudden illness at a hotel in that city. Mr. Eager #as gifted 
with natural abilities of a high order, and his acquirements and legal 
training made him, while I knew him, the pride of his friends and the 
accomplished man.'' 

In addition to his ability as a lawyer and advocate, Mr. 
Eager was the author of many pieces in prose and verse, 
which had a wide circulation, and were greatly admired. 
Among these may especially be named his short poem enti- 
tled " Greenwood in Winter," originally published in '^Harper's 
Weekly." It was written a few days before his death. 

Mr. Eager married; 1st, Miss Jane Maria Fish, July 26, 
1843. She was a daughter of Mr. Thomas Fish, a retired 
merchant of Newburgh, N. Y. She died in New York City, 
Nov. 16, 1855. He married; 2d, Miss Margaret Campbell 
McLaren, Oct. 14, 1857, daughter of the Rev. Malcom N. 
McLaren, D. D., deceased, then pastor of a church in New- 
burgh, afterwards of Auburn, N. Y. She still lives, and is 
now Mrs. Robert Nelson, of Auburn, N. Y. He left two 
children by each wife. They are — i. Mrs. Maria Louise 
Finnall, widow of M. S. Finnall, residing at Los Angeles, 
Cal. ;— 2. Mary Elizabeth Nyhart, wife of Alpheus F. Nyhart, 
of Casselton, Cass Co., Dakota ;— 3. John McAuley Eager, 
M. D., of Baltimore, Md. ; and— 4. Susan McLaren Eager, 
residing at Auburn, N. Y. 



76 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Mr. Eager died suddenly of apoplexy at French's Hotel, in 
New York City, March 4, 1869, and was buried in St George's 
Cemetery at Newburgh. The lady who was the second Mrs. 
Eager writes of him : " As a husband and father he was most 
devoted; as a friend he was sincere. For several years he 
attended the church of which the Rev. Samuel D. Alexander 
(his college classmate) was pastor ; for the last twelve years 
of his life the Collegiate Dutch Church on Fifth Avenue, New 
York. I can truly say of him that he was kept unspotted 
from the world.'' 



MAHLON DICKERSON EYRE, A. M. 

Mahlon Dickerson Eyre was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
April 13, 1 82 1. His parents were Mr. Manuel Eyre of the 
class of 1793, a successful merchant of Philadelphia who was 
born in 1777 and died in 1845, and Mrs. Ann Louisa (Con- 
nelly Eyre). He was prepared for college in an Academy at 
Holmesburg, near Philadelphia, and, with his older brother 
Manuel, entered the Freshman Class at Princeton College, in 
1834. He was probably the youngest member of the class, 
scarcely more than a bright young boy of small stature. He 
had a fresh, lovable, mischievous face, with a large, expressive 
eye full of gentleness as well as of fun, and was a general pet 
among the older and stronger students. He did not study 
much, and at the end of a four years course came out with a 
very low grade. He was far fonder of fun and mischief than 
of Latin or Greek. He was a member of the Whig Society. 

After his graduation, he went into a wholesale dry goods 
house in Philadelphia, to learn the business. It proved wholly 
distasteful to him. He then went to China in one of his 
father's ships, meeting some terrible cyclones in the Straits. 
He afterwards went to California and was in San Francisco in 
1849, where he was made City Assessor, and helped to put 
down some fearful riots. He bought some land in California 
and cultivated it and prospered ; but floods swept away his 
improvements. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 77 

- About this time his father died, and he returned to Phila- 
delphia. Before long, however, he again went abroad and 
traversed Central America, Peru and Chili and came around 
Cape Horn to Monte Video, then again to Philadelphia. His 
brother Wilson was then married and living in Florence, Italy. 
So was his sister. And thus he was attracted to that charm- 
ing city, where he met the lady who became his wife, and 
Florence became his home for the remainder of his life. 

Last year a long and interesting letter was received by the 
writer from Mrs. Eyre, and from that letter are drawn the 
remaining facts given in this sketch, and partly in her own 
words, 

"We were married July 15, 1859, and when the civil war in the 
United States broke out, he was all anxiety to return and tak% his part 
in the defence of the Union. But I was the only child of my parents 
and they were old. Part from my husband I would not. To leave my 
parents would be cruel. So we remained in Florence. My husband 
determined to go into business here, and took into partnership an Italian 
gentleman. For some years his business prospered. Then his partner 
retired. Afterwards, in 1876, he was absent in the United States six 
months. The person to whom his affairs were intrusted in his absence, 
mismanaged them. Much of his accumulated property was lost. At 
one time (the year is not known) Colonel Burroughs of the British Army 
and Mr. Eyre made a trip to Algiers, took guides and lived an Arab life 
for two months, wandering through the desert and living in tents. He 
had many pleasant tales to tell of those months. 

" In 1880, Mr. Eyre closed up his business and retired from active life 
in very poor health. In the summer of 1882 the weather was very hot, 
and all visitors had fled to the seaside. On the morning of August 28th 
of that year, after a weary night he fell asleep, resting on my arm. Soon 
he became cold : then I knew I was alone. He was buried at the Baths 
of Lucca, beside my father and my mother." 

Mr. Eyre married in Florence, Italy, July 15, 1859, ^i^s 
Isabella Olivia Smythe, daughter of Mr. Currell B, Smythe, 
of Belfast, Ireland, but then a resident in Florence. She sur- 
vived him with five children, viz. : i, Virginia Eyre, living at 

Florence with her mother, 2. Katie, wife of Mr. Edgar 

Vicker, a lawyer residing in London. 3. Charles Connelly 

Eyre, in business in Florence. 4. Isabella Olivia Eyre, living 



78 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

in Florence with her mother. 5. Arthur Hale Eyre, study- 
ing in the Royal Naval Academy at Turin, Italy. 

Mr. Eyre was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in Florence, and for many years its Treasurer. " He never 
refused to help a poor man, and had a kind word for every 
sorrowing heart. ' A man in whom there was no guile,' may 
truly be said of him." 



ARTHUR WILLIAM FRICK. 

Arthur William Frick was born at Danville, Pa., January 
15, 1 8 16, and was the son of George Augustus Frick, Esq., 
and Mrs. Eleanor (Hurley) Frick, of that place. He was pre- 
pared for college in the Danville Academy, under Mr, Au- 
gustus A. Wood, its principal. His family was one of the 
oldest and most influential in Danville. 

Mr. Frick entered college in 1835, joining the Sophomore 
Class and the Whig Society. He was quiet, orderly and stu- 
dious ; somewhat retired and reserved in manners, yet well 
liked by his associates, and of good abilities. 

Immediately after graduating, he began the study of law 
under the guidance of his father. After obtaining license to 
practice, he settled in his native town of Danville and re- 
mained there until January, 1849. ^^^ then undertook a journey 
to California, but was seized, en route^ in New York City, with 
a most serious attack of inflammation of the lungs. Having 
partially recovered, he proceeded on his journey by way of 
the Isthmus of Panama, and arrived at San Francisco, July 5, 
1849. Soon after, he went to San Jose, where he hoped to be 
benefited by the climate, but finally went to Mariposa Valley. 
There, in the latter part of November, he was found by a 
good Samaritan, in his tent, alone, abandoned and rohbed by 
his Mexican servant, and in a dying condition. He lingered 
for a short time and died on November 30, 1849, of pulmonary 
consumption. He was buried by an unknown friendly hand, 
and the spot is unmarked. He never married. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 79 



COL. DAVID FUNSTBN. 



David Funsten was born October 14, 18 19, at White Post, 
Clarke County, Va.; his father, Oliver R. Funsten, having at 
an early age come from the northern part of Ireland and set- 
tled in that place. His mother, Mrs. Margaret (McKay) 
Funsten, was of English descent. He was prepared for Col- 
lege by Mr. John Bruce, principal of an Academy at Winches- 
ter, Va. He entered Princeton College in 1836, joining either 
the Sophomore Class, half-advanced, or the Junior Class — 
it is not known which — and became a member of the Whig 
Society. In stature he was at this time rather under medium 
size, was brisk and energetic in his movements, agreeable in 
his manners, correct and orderly in his demeanor and%noder- 
rately studious. 

After his graduation he at once began the study of law, 
and having obtained license, entered successfully upon its 
practice in his native county. 

Near the end of November, 1844, he married Miss Susan 
Meade, daughter of David Meade (a Princeton graduate in 
the Class of 18 12), of Clarke County, Va., and niece of the 
Right Rev. William Meade, D.D., of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Diocese of Virginia (Princeton Class of 1808). 

In the same year, 1844, Mr. Funsten was elected delegate 
to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, to repre- 
sent the Counties of Clarke and Warren. In 1852 he re- 
moved to Alexandria, Va., and continued the practice of law 
there and in Washington, D. C, until the beginning of the 
civil war, when, espousing the cause which he believed to 
be in the right, he joined the Southern Army. He was soon 
appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and afterwards Colonel, of the 
Eleventh Virginia Regiment. He was severely wounded at 
the battle of " Seven Pines," from the effects of which wound 
he never fully recovered. Being thus disabled for further 
field service, he was elected to the Confederate Congress as 
the Representative from the Seventh District. '* In this capa- 
city he served with great credit and honor to himself until 



80 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

the fall of the Confederacy." The civil war having ended, 
with shattered fortune and broken health Colonel Funsten 
looked around for a place from which to start anew in life's 
battle. His heart yearned towards old Alexandria, the home 
of his adoption, and he did not hesitate to select it. 

But disease had fastened upon his system, and it soon be- 
came apparent that his earthly course was about to close. A 
severe attack of typhoid pneumonia prostrated him, and on 
April 6, 1866, at his residence near Alexandria, Va., he passed 
away "as calmly and as peacefully as an infant falls to sleep." 
He left a widow and ten children. His widow survived him 
but a few years. 

Colonel Funsten had thirteen children, three of whom died 
in childhood. The remaining ten are still living, and their 
names are as follows: i, Mary Catherine, married the Rev. 
B. E. Reed, Rector of Mt. Calvary Protestant Episcopal 

Church, St. Louis, Mo. ; 2, Susan Meade, married the 

Rev. William M. Dome, Rector of Memorial Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, in Baltimore, Md. ; 3, Robert Emmett 

Funsten, living in St. Louis, Mo.; 4, Louisa Cory, married 

Col J. A. Slaughter, and lives in Galveston, Texas; 5, Wil- 
liam Fitzhugh Funsten, living in St. Louis, Mo. ; 6, James 

Johnston Funsten, living in St. Louis, Mo.; 7, Lizzie Lee, 

married Edwin S. Hinks, a student in the Episcopal Seminary 
near Alexandria, Va.; 8, George Meade Funsten, Assist- 
ant Rector of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, in 

Richmond, Va.; 9, Richard Kidder Funsten, living in St, 

Louis, Mo., and 10, Emily Ridgway Funsten, living in 

Winchester, Va. 

In order to show the high and wide estimation in which our 
classmate was held, we quote from some of the obituary 
notices of him published in various papers. One says : " A 
life so marked by the traits of gentleness, truthfulness, honor 
and true piety, won for him the love and esteem of the whole 
community." Another says : " His eloquence as a public 
speaker, his zeal and learning as a lawyer, his public spirit as 
a citizen, were all fully acknowledged and appreciated. But 
home was the scene of his greatest triumphs. In his family 



PRINCETON COLIvKGE. 81 

he was enshrined in the hearts of all." Says another: "In 
the active service of war, Col. Funsten was as distinguished for 
his gallantry as he was for his firmness in the peaceful pursuits 
of life." ..." That he would have risen to distinction, but for 
a painful wound which disabled him for further active service, 
and from which he never fully recovered, there can be no 
question." Still another says : " Col. Funsten was a sincere 
and humble Christian. There was no ostentation in his faith 
or in his works. If ever the spirit of true religion dwelt in 
the heart and regulated the actions of a believer, it did in his." 
..." From his death-bed he had bright glimpses of that new 
Home to which he was hastening; and while exhorting others 
to follow him whither he was going, a light as from heaven 
seemed to irradiate his countenance and to give assurance to 
his words." ^ 

The Rev. George H. Norton, D.D,, Rector of St. Paul's 
Church at Alexandria, for many years a warm and attached 
friend of Col. Funsten's, says of him : " Remarkable for mod- 
esty and courtesy, David Funsten was also remarkable for 
'the courage of his convictions.' With him opinions, slowly 
formed, became principles of conduct. True, pure, gentle, 
brave, he was faithful in every relation in life. His Christian 
faith was strong ; it governed his every act, cheered him in 
misfortune, and made his last hours resigned, hopeful and 
bright." 

JOSIAH WILLARD GIBBS, A.M. 

JosiAH WiLLARD GiBBS was a son of Josiah Willard Gibbs, 
a merchant of Philadelphia, and of Mrs. Hannah (Vanarsdall) 
Gibbs, and was born in Philadelphia, November 5, 18 17. He 
entered Princeton College in 1835, and joined the Sophomore 
class and the Whig Society. He was stoutly built, active and 
prominent on the play-ground, of fine appearance and gentle- 
manl}^ bearing. He was also a good writer and an excellent 
speaker. 

After his graduation, Mr. Gibbs went into mercantile busi- 
ness. He was for some years a clerk in his father's store. In 
6 



82 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

1849, upon the discovery of gold in California, he sailed for 
that state by way of Cape Horn, in the ship Susan G. Owens, 
with a host of others, to seek his fortune. Little is known of 
his movements after his arrival in California, only this, that 
through exposure he contracted a disease of which he died at 
Sacramento, Cal, Feb. i, 1850, and was buried there. 
Mr. Gibbs was never married. 



JOHN STORY GULICK, A. M. , U. S. N. 

John Story Gulick was a son of Jacob Gulick and Mrs. 
Lydia (Story) Gulick, and was born at Kingston, (near Prince- 
ton) N. J., May 14, 18 17. His family came from Holland to this 
country about 150 years ago and settled at Kingston, where the 
ancestors and immediate relatives of our classmate have lived 
ever since. He received his early education, from 1829 to 
1835, at the Lawrenceville High School, under the Rev. Isaac 
V. Brown, D.D., and A. H. Phillips, A.M.; then entered 
Princeton College in 1835, joining the Sophomore Class and 
the Whig Society. 

Mr. Gulick was very tall and slender in person, of blonde 
complexion with hair nearly white, was graceful and affable in 
manner, regular and orderly in his attention to college duties 
and moderately studious. 

After his graduation he studied medicine for a time under 
John WoodhuU, M. D., of Princeton, N. J., but at the end of 
one or two years devoted himself to the law, which he studied 
under James S. Green, Esq., of Princeton. After obtaining 
license as an attorney in November, 1842, and as counsel in 
April, 1846, he practiced his profession first in Princeton and 
afterwards in New York city until February i, 1851. At that 
date he was appointed by President Fillmore to be a purser in 
the U. S Navy. Under that commission he was attached to 
the sloop-of-war Jamestown and made a cruise on the Brazil 
Station, 1 85 1-4; was on special duty at Washington, D. C, 
in 1855 ; on the steamship Supply made another cruise on the 
Brazil Station, 1855-6; and on the steam-sloop Saranac made 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 83 

a cruise on the Pacific Station, 1857-9, before the breaking 
out of the civil war. 

Mr. Gulick married, July 7, 1854, Miss Elizabeth MiUigan, 
daughter of Joseph Milligan, Bookseller and Publisher, of 
Georgetown, D. C, and established his home in Fauquier 
Co., Va. 

He was at his home in Virginia when the war commenced. 
He at once applied for and obtained orders for sea service. 
During the few days allowed him to report for duty, it be- 
came evident that an officer in the service of the United States 
could no longer safely sojourn in Virginia. He therefore im- 
mediately departed, with his family, leaving his farm stocked, 
and with fine growing crops, remuneration for which he never 
applied for, saying he had no vouchers as to what was stolen 
or taken away. Traveling in his own conveyance 4)y night 
and by day, and avoiding public roads and public places he 
succeeded in reaching and crossing the Potomac River some 
miles above Washington, only in time to escape capture by 
the Confederates, then everywhere assembling under arms. 
The railways betwen Washington and Baltimore having been 
in places torn up, and some bridges burned, he proceeded in 
his own conveyance and thus traveled the entire distance to 
his native place, Kingston, N. J. Here leaving his family, he 
at once reported for duty on the "Wabash" at New York 
City. This was April 26, 1861. During the first month of 
his service on that ship, in August, 1861, it took a prominent 
part in the bombardment and capture of Forts Clark and 
Hatteras, at the mouth of Hatteras Inlet, capturing 600 pris- 
oners. Soon after this event, the Wabash became the flag- 
ship of the South Atlantic Squadron jmder the command of 
Flag Officer (afterwards Rear Admiral) Dupont. Paymaster 
Gulick was then assigned duty as Fleet Paymaster of this 
squadron, and served on the staff of Admiral Dupont at the 
bombardment and taking of Forts Walker and Bay Point, in 
the harbor of Port Royal, S. C, Nov. 6, 1861. 

In the spring of 1862, Mr. Gulick was detached from that 
squadron and assigned to duty in the Navy Yard at Wash- 
ington, D. C, whence, after one year of service there, he was 



84 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

transferred to the Navy Yard at Philadelphia. He remained 
at the latter place until the spring of 1865, when he was 
ordered to duty as Fleet Paymaster of the Mississippi squadron, 
where he served until the surrender of Kirby Smith's army 
on the Red River practically closed the war. He was again 
stationed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1 865 ; at the Navy 
Yard at Annapolis, Md., 1867-8; and was Fleet Paymaster of 
the European Squadron, 1869-71. This latter cruise of two 
and a half years was ended by the return of the flag-ship 
Franklin to the United States in 187 1. On March 3d, of that 
year, he was promoted by President Grant to be a Pay-Direc- 
tor with the relative rank of a Captain in the Navy. He then 
became Inspector of Provisions and Clothing at the Washing- 
ton Navy Yard, 1873-5 ; and Purchasing Paymaster at Phila- 
delphia, 1877-79. According to the Act of Congress retiring 
from active service all officers who have attained the age of 
62 years, he was honorably retired. May 14, 1879, from active 
service, after twenty-nine years continuously devoted to his 
country. 

Thenceforth he lived quietly on his farm between Law- 
renceville and Princeton, and there he died Nov. 6, 1884, 
after an illness of only four days. He left a widow, but no 
children. 

OLIVER SPENCER HAESTED (2d), A.M. 

Oliver Spencer Halsted was born at Elizabethtown (now 
Elizabeth), N. J., December 7, 181 8. His parents were Oliver 
Spencer Halsted (Class of 18 10), an eminent lawyer, who was 
many years Chancellor of the State of New Jersey, and of 
Mrs. Mary (Hetfield) Halsted. He received his early educa- 
tion in the schools of Newark, N. J., and entered Princeton 
College at the winter session of 1835, joining the Sophomore 
Class and the Cliosophic Society. 

He brought with him to college the familiar name of " Pet " 
Halsted, Although small of stature, he was remarkable for 
physical strength. He was erect in stature, and had a quick, 
springy walk. On the " .shinny " ground few excelled him ; 



PRINCETON COLI.EGE. 85 

in the small gymnastic performances of that day he was a 
champion ; on " the pole " he was entirely at home, and in 
running hardly one could be found to keep alongside of him. 
In " dead-lifting," as then practiced on the smaller of the two 
cannon lying near the gate of the front Campus, he and one 
other (John M. Rogers, Class of 1837, and still living at 
Princeton) were the only students who could grasp the knob at 
the butt-end of the piece and raise the breech clear of the 
ground. He was pretty sure to have a hand in every mis- 
chievous and hazardous undertaking. He was foremost in 
nearly every thing except in study and recitations, and there 
he was a little below the average. He was an active member 
of the party which brought the large cannon from " Jugtown " 
in the middle of one night by the help of a four-horse wagon, 
and landed it safely in the front Campus. Yet he was a 
genial, kind-hearted man, and a general favorite \^ith his 
fellow-students. He was slow to anger, but when fully 
aroused was a dangerous antagonist, being without personal 
fear or consideration. 

After graduating, he studied law in the office of his father in 
Newark, N. J., receiving his license as attorney in 1841, and as 
counsellor in 1844. On receiving the first license he immedi- 
ately began to practice in Newark and soon secured a good 
position in his profession. He continued to practice in Newark 
until his death, excepting two years (1849 and 1850), when he 
went to California via Cape Horn, and practiced while there. 

During the civil war of 1861-65, Mr. Halsted was zealous 
and energetic in his efforts to aid the Union cause. He 
worked hard to aid in raising regiments in his native state, 
and spent much time in Washington, conferring with the 
government, the military officers, and members of Congress, 
and is said to have made to them valuable suggestions. He 
was influential in securing the military services of the brave 
General Philip Kearny on his return from Europe. For a short 
time he served as aid to General Kearny, and from that fact 
often afterwards received the sobriquet of " General " Halsted. 

He married, May 7, 1840, Miss Martha Adela Meeker, 
daughter of Mr. Samuel Meeker, of Newark, N. J. He left 



86 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

seven children, three sons and four daughters, viz. : i. 
Martha Halsted, married to Charles Mapes, and living in 

New York City. 2. George Bruce Halsted (Princeton 

College, class of 1875), Professor of Mathematics in The 

University of Texas, at Austin, Tex. 3. Oliver Spencer 

Halsted, who resides in England. 4. Charles John 

Halsted (class of 1877), a lawyer, practicing in New York 
City, 5. Caroline Halsted, unmarried. 6. Duxy Hal- 
sted, married to Dr. Julius Rudisch, and living in New York 

City. 7. Kitty Halsted, married to Herbert Armitage, 

and lives in New York City. 

Under circumstances most sad and painful to his family 
and friends, he died suddenly, July 2, 1871, by a pistol .shot 
fired by an infuriated man, who was convicted and executed 
for the murder. 



WILIvIAM MURRAY HOLLYDAY, ESQ. 

William Murray Hollyday, son of Plenry and Mrs. 
Ann (Carmichael) Hollyday, was born at Ratcliffe, near Eas- 
ton, Talbot County, Md , January 2, 181 8. His preparatory 
education was received at St. Michael's, in his native county, 
under the Rev. Joseph Spencer, D.D. He entered the 
Sophomore Class at Princeton College in 1835, and became 
a member of the Whig Society. He was a quiet, orderly, 
unobtrusive, amiable and gentlemanly young man, and was 
studious in his habits, standing eighteenth in his final grade 
among the seventy-five members of his class. 

On leaving College he at once entered on the study of 
law, under Richard B. Carmichael, Esq., of Centreville, Queen 
Anne County, Md. ; was licensed in 1841, and from that 
date practiced at Cumberland, Md., until 185 1. He then re- 
moved to Easton, Md., where he continued to practice until 
1859, when he settled on his farm, called " Glenwood," near 
Easton, where he quietly resided until he died of pleurisy, 
after an illness of one week, on December 5, 1880. 

Mr. Hollyday represented Allegheny County in the State 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 87 

Constitutional Convention of 1850. He was Auditor of the 
Circuit Court, Commissioner of Public Schools for Talbot 
County and a Commissioner in Chancery. He connected 
himself with the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1864, and at 
the time of his death was Treasurer and a vestryman in 
Christ Protestant Episcopal Church at Easton. 

He married, January 6, 1852, Miss Louisa Powell, daughter 
of Col. Humphrey B. Powell, of Middleburg, Loudoun Co., 
Va., a cousin of her husband's college classmate, Dr. Elisha 
B. Pendleton. She still lives at the late residence of her 
deceased husband. Mr. Hollyday left six children, viz. : 
I. Ann, married to Francis Clarke, now living in Brooklyn, 

N. Y. 2. Rosalie, married to Mr. J. B. Bocock, now living 

at Houston, Texas. 3. H. B. Powell Kollyday, living in 

Easton, Md. 4. Louisa Virginia, married to Levin H. 

Campbell, and living in Washington, D. C. 5. •Thomas 

Robins Hollyday, now in the U. S. Arrny, and 6. Car- 

michael Hollyday, living with his mother near Easton, Md. 

One of Mr. Hollyday's neighbors in Maryland writes of him 
thus: "A devout Christian, an accomplished gentleman, a pure 
and useful citizen. He was loving and kind in his family, and 
in friendship faithful and true. He served both the church 
and the state with unsullied probity and tireless diligence, and 
commanded the confidence of all." 



WILLIAM HENRY HORNBLOWER, A.M., D.D. 

William Henry Hornblower, son of the Hon. Joseph 
Courten Hornblower, LL.D., for many years Chief Justice of 
New Jersey, and of Mrs. Mary (Burnett) Hornblower, was born 
at Newark, N. J., March 21, 1820; and was prepared for 
college at Elizabeth, N. J., under the instruction of the Rev. 
John T. Halsey. He entered Princeton College at the begin- 
ning of the Sophomore year, in 1835, and became a member 
of the Cliosophic Society. 

' In stature he was one of the smallest and lightest of all the 
students, whence, by the law of contraries so often adopted in 



88 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

college, he was generally known as '^ Major." He was bright, 
cheerful, gentle, amiable, fond of fun, warmly attached to his 
friends and warmly loved by them. He was also methodical, 
regular in attending to all college duties, and studious. 

After leaving college he spent one year in the study of law, 
at Newark, under the instruction of the Hon. Theodore Fre- 
linghuysen, LL.D., and of the Hon. A. C. M. Pennington. 
At nineteen years of age he united with the First Presbyterian 
Church of Newark, and determined to devote himself to the 
work of the gospel ministry. He accordingly soon after- 
wards entered Princeton Theological Seminary, spent over 
three years there and was graduated in 1 843 ; labored as a 
missionary at Tom's River and that vicinity in the " Pines of 
New Jersey," from May, 1843, to November, 1843; was or- 
dained by the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, N. J., January 30, 
1844, and installed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, at 
Paterson, N. J., the same day. There he remained, honored, 
beloved and useful until released October i, 1871, in order to 
his acceptance of the Union Professorship of Sacred Rhetoric, 
Church Government and Pastoral Theology in the Western 
Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Pa., which office he held 
Avith high honor and great usefulness until released from all 
cares and earthly duties by death, July 16, 1883. He was 
seized with his last illness in the pulpit. On Sabbath, May 
20, 1883, the Bellefield Church, at Pittsburgh, Pa., to which 
he was preaching, was startled by his sudden prostration from 
an attack of paralysis. Under skilful medical treatment and 
careful nursing he appeared at length to be slowly recovering, 
but afterward suffered a relapse and entered into rest on the 
day above mentioned, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His 
remains were buried at Paterson, N. J. 

Dr. Hornblower was a Christian gentleman in the highest 
sense of the term. The law of his lips was courtesy. No one 
ever knew him to do an unworthy act. His sympathies were 
strong, fresh and natural. His was a sincere and faithful 
friendship worth the having. It was loving, bright, genial. 
As a preacher he was biblical, argumentative, earnest and 
instructive. As a pastor he was sympathetic, laborious and 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 89 

successful. In the Presbytery, the Synod and the General 
Assembly he took an active and a judicious part in their pro- 
ceedings. As a Professor he excelled, conscientiously and 
earnestly discharging his important duties. 

Dr. Hornblower was married at Sufifield, Conn., June 17, 
1846, to Miss Matilda A. Butler, daughter of Asa Butler, Esq. 
She, with two sons and a daughter, survived him and still 
live. His children are: i. Joseph Courten Hornblower, 
architect, in Washington, D. C. 2. William Butler Horn- 
blower, Esq. (Class of 1871), a lawyer, married and has three 

children, residing in New York City, and 3. Helen, wife 

of Eugene Stevenson and living at Paterson, N. J. 

In i860 Dr. Hornblower received the honorary title of D.D. 
from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J. From 1864 to 
1 87 1 he was a Trustee of the College of New Jersey. 

Dr. Hornblower published many sermons, addresses etc., 
but he was singularly indifferent to his own personal reputa- 
tion as a writer, and it is found impossible to obtain a full list 
of them. The following, however, are known to the writer : 
I. ''A Sermon on The War." 1861, Delivered and printed 

at Paterson, N. J. 2. " The Duty of The General Assembly 

to The Churches under its care." 1861. Printed at Paterson. 

3. " A Sermon Occasioned by The Assassination of 

President Lincoln." 1865. Delivered and printed at Pater- 
son. 4. " Inaugural Address on Assuming his Professor- 
ship in Allegheny Theological Seminary." 1 87 1. Pittsburgh, 

5. He was one of the Sub-Editors in preparing the 

American Edition of " Lange's Commentaries," his portion of 
the work being the Book of Lamentations. 6. He con- 
tributed a "History of the College of New Jersey" to the 
" Princeton Book," published by Houghton, Osgood & Co., 
in 1879. 

JOHN SIMS JACKSON. 

John Sims Jackson was a son of John Jackson. His mother 
was a Miss Sims. The early life of this classmate is wrapped 
in great uncertainty, which the most persistent efforts have 



90 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

failed to remove. His father was probably reared in New 
York City, and removed to Virginia in early manhood. He 
is said to have married a Miss Sims at Danville, Va., where 
John S. Jackson, the son, was born about the year 1819. 
After the death of the mother and six younger children, the 
father and his son, John S., removed to Eufaula, Alabama. It 
ought to be said, however, that earnest inquiries made of sev- 
eral of the older residents of Danville have obtained no posi- 
tive information on the above points. 

John S. Jackson attended school first at Eufaula, and after- 
wards at Clayton, Ala. He came to Princeton in 1835, and 
entered the Sophomore Class and -the Clio Society. He was 
a cripple, "a victim of synovitis at some time in earlier life, 
leaving him a contracted leg and a stiff knee-joint. He used 
one crutch, and he did use that with remarkable agility." He 
had dark eyes and white hair, was active, humorous, sociable, 
excitable and fairly studious, taking a final grade above the 
class average. 

After his graduation he studied law at Clayton, Ala., under 
Calvin Rist, Esq. (now deceased), of that place, but died there 
in July, 1840, of inflammatory rheumatism, without having 
been admitted to the bar. He was never married. 

The following is part of a letter kindly sent to the writer in 
answer to inquiries by the Hon. John A. Foster, Chancellor 
of Alabama, residing at Clayton. He writes : 

"John Jackson (the father) came to Eufaula, Ala., and engaged in 
mercantile pursuits. He came from the Northern or Middle States, and 
was a widower with a young son. A year or two later he removed to 
Clayton. Nothing is now known here as to the mother of your class- 
mate. His father married in Clayton a Miss Lewis, and about that 
time sent his son to Princeton. As soon as the son was graduated, he 
returned to Clayton and read law in the office of Calvin Rist, Esq. He 
was a jolly and lively youth, and it is said of him that he could dance 
with his crutches. He was very popular with the people, and was a 
good student. His father was not indulgent to him. I am not able to 
ascertain the precise time of his death. The few who now remember 
him say that he died, some one year, others two years after his return 
from Princeton, His remains are buried in the Masonic Cemetery. 
There is no monument or epitaph over them. I have often stood over 
his grave, and wondered why there should have been such a career 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 91 

and such a fate. Those who yet remain and who knew him remember 
him as John S. Jackson, the sprightly, crippled, educated son of ' old 
John Jackson.' " 

ANDREW SIMPSON JAMISON, A. M. 

Andrew Simpson Jamison was a son of James Jamison, a 
farmer, and Mrs. Ann (Simpson) Jamison ; was born in Buck- 
ingham Township, Bucks Co., Pa., Feb. 5, 18 18; and was 
prepared for college by his pastor, the Rev. P. O. Studdi- 
ford. D.D., of Lambertville, N. J. 

He entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton College in 
the fall of 1835, and joined the Clio Society. He was a little 
above the average height and slender in person ; steady, grave 
and orderly in his demeanor, irreproachable in his habits and 
morals, gentle and pleasing in his manners. Regular and 
studious, he took the 19th grade of his class at gradliation. 

His life was devoted to teaching, and of the years his health 
allowed him to devote to this work, five were spent in private 
families in Virginia. While in that state he united, in 1841, 
with the Bethesda Presbyterian Church at Richardsville, Cul- 
pepper Co. He also taught two years in the Academy at 
Cheraw, S. C, and two other years in Augusta, Ga. In 1846, 
having a desire to enter the Gospel ministry, he became a 
student in Princeton Theological Seminary, but owing to 
failure of health and a partial loss of eyesight, was very soon 
compelled to relinquish his studies. On the restoration of his 
health he taught for two years in the Academy at Trenton, 
N. J. He then returned, owing to a second failure of his 
health to the home of his childhood in Bucks Co., Pa., and 
there spent quietly but usefully the remainder of his days. 

For many of his later years Mr. Jamison was president of 
the School Boards of Buckingham and Upper Wakefield 
Townships in Bucks Co Oct. 18, 1868, he became a rul- 
ing elder in Solebury (now called Thompson Memorial) Pres- 
byterian Church, and continued to fill that office until his 
death, which occurred, from an attack of pneumonia at 
Brownsburg, Bucks Co., Pa., March 20, 1883. His death was 
calm, peaceful and happy. 



92 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Mr. Jamison was ever a dutiful son, and a kind and affec- 
tionate brother. He filled various positions of trust with an 
unblemished reputation. " His urbane manners," says his 
pastor, " won him the highest esteem. He was a man of 
firm and decided views, and of clear judgment, cautious in 
reaching a conclusion, and careful in the expression of his 
opinions. He was well read in the current literature of the 
day. As a Biblical scholar he was thorough and sound." 
" He was an excellent man," says another minister of Bucks 
County, " was widely known in his part of the county, and 
was greatly respected by all who knew him. He often at- 
tended the meetings of Presbytery as a representative of his 
church, and was highly esteemed by the associated ministers 
and elders." He was never married. 



CAPT. WILUAM HENRY JEMISON. 

William Henry Jemison, son of William and Sarah 
(Mims) Jemison, was born March 4, 1820, at Edenton, Ga., 
but removed with his parents to Alabama before he was two 
years old, and thenceforward resided at Tuscaloosa in that 
State. He was prepared for college under the instructions of 
the Rev. Robert B. McMullin, afterwards a distinguished 
Presbyterian clergyman of Tennessee. 

Mr. Jemison entered Princeton College in 1835, joining the 
Freshman Class in its second session, and becoming a Clio. 
From a little incident which occurred soon after, he became 
familiarly known as " Heights " Jemison all through his 
course. He was warm-hearted, genial, a hearty laugher, a 
capital story-teller, very companionable, every way " a good 
fellow " and heartily loved by everybody. For the sketch 
that follows we are indebted to his son, William C. Jemison, 
Esq., of Tuscaloosa, who kindly sent it in answer to our re- 
quest : 

" My father was the first Alabamian, so far as I know, who ever en- 
tered Princeton College. At the age of fifteen years he took the trip to 
Princeton alone, going nearly all the way by stage-coach or private 



PRINCKTON COI^LEGE. 93 

conveyance, being eleven days and nights on the road. This was in 
the days when railroads were unknown south of Philadelphia. A part 
of his journey lay through the Creek Indian Nation, which gave a 
thrilling interest to the young boy's travels. 

" After leaving College he studied law something more than a year, 
under Judge B, F. Porter, in Tuscaloosa. Afterwards he studied a short 
time in Huntsville, Ala,, under that distinguished lawyer. Col. James W. 
McClung. He never applied, however, for license to practice law, but 
engaged in planting. For many years he was considered the best 
farmer in Tuscaloosa County. The training he received at college 
doubtless gave an intelhgence to his farming operations superior to that 
of his neighbors. As a planter, he was eminently successful, and but 
for the war would probably have accumulated a large fortune. 

*' My father entered the army in the first year of the civil war, as 
captain of a volunteer company, and the same year was elected to the 
lower house of the Alabama Legislature, in which he sat two years, 
1861 and 1862. While a member of the legislative General Assembly 
he volunteered again, and assisted in raising a cavalry company, in 
which he was elected a Lieutenant, He remained in the field service 
nine months, but on account of the loss of one eye, he was appointed 
Captain and Quarter-master at Tuscaloosa, in which capacity he served 
until the close of the war. 

"In 1872 he was chosen to fill the Chair of Practical Agriculture in 
The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, located at Au- 
burn, in the first year of its organization. When that chair was abol- 
ished, for want of funds, he was elected Quarter-master of the Univer- 
sity of Alabama, with the title of captain, which position he filled ten 
years, 1872-82. 

" Before the civil war he was a Whig in politics, and took a lively in- 
terest in the questions of the day. But preferring the quiet and inde- 
pendent life of a planter, he frequently refused public office, and his 
first effort at political speaking was after he had reached the age of 
forty years. His maiden speech was made in favor of co-operation and 
against immediate secession. 

" In his twentieth year he contracted a neuralgic affection, which has 
caused him much suffering. But his general health has always been 
good, and few men at his age are blessed with a more vigorous consti- 
tution. His residence is at Birmingham, Ala., and though advanced 
in years, he insists upon leading a busy life, and is now engaged in 
building up a most beautiful suburban resort near the city of Birming- 
ham. He lives in a comfortable home that overlooks East Lake, the 
largest artificial body of water in the State. In this picturesque and 
healthful place he is happy and contented, with his affectionate children 
and grandchildren in close proximity to him, and with his noble good 
wife still with him. And here he intends spending the remaining days 
of his useful life. 



94 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OK 1 838. 

" He married at Huntsville, Ala., October 23, 1839, Elizabeth Arman- 
tine Patrick, of Tuscaloosa, daughter of Mr. Isaac Patrick. She is still 
living. He has had nine children, of whom one died in infancy. The 
other eight are: i. Virginia Ann, a noble woman, who died in 1883, 

unmarried. 2. Sarah Elizabeth, married John Catlin Cade, and is 

now a widow with two children, residing in Tuscaloosa. 3. Mar- 
garet, married WiUiam J. Prowell, and lives at Dayton, Marengo 

County, Ala. 4. Mary Gabriella, married John W. Riddell, and 

lives in Galveston, Tex. 5, William C. Jemison, married Elisha 

Leftwich. He is a lawyer, and lives in Tuscaloosa [of which city he is 

Mayor]. 6. Robert Jemison, married Eugenia R. Sousby. He is a 

merchant, and lives in Birmingham, Ala. 7. John Steele Jemison, a 

lawyer, married Margie Allen, and lives in Birmingham, Ala. 8. 

Mims Penn Jemison, a merchant, married Lela Lee, and lives in Tus- 
caloosa. 

" My father is now nearly ' three-score and ten.' On October 23, 
1889, if all our lives be spared until then, he will celebrate his golden 
wedding, with seven children and eighteen grandchildren around him. 
Many years ago he was confirmed as a communicant of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and is still an active adherent to ' the faith once de- 
livered to the saints.' Through a long and useful life he has always 
commanded the esteem and kind regard of those among whom he 
lived, by his unswerving devotion to right and his liberal hand in dis- 
pensing to the relief of the needy and the suffering. As a husband, he 
has been devoted ; as a father, kind and affectionate.'' 

It was one of the best of the many enjoyments of our 
happy class-meeting on June 20, 1888, to welcome Mr. Jemi- 
son among us, and to find that he still possessed in their old 
vigor, all the pleasant traits which made us love him so well 
fifty years ago. If we slmt our eyes and listened to his talk 
and his laugh, we seemed to have gone back fifty-three 
years, and to be with our early Freshman and Sophomore 
friend " Heights " Jemison once more. We appointed him to 
represent the class by making a speech for it at the College 
Alumni Dinner in University Hall, and he did it to the entire 
satisfaction of the class and of all his hearers. 

May he and all his, have a happy golden wedding ! 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 95 



REV. DANIEL JOHNSON, A.M. 

Daniel Johnson was born November 5, 18 13, in Robeson 
County, N. C. His parents were Alexander and Margaret 
(Steven) Johnson. His preparation for college was made, 
first at Beaver Creek Academy, some fifteen miles from 
Fayetteville, N. C, under Archibald C. Currie, and later at the 
Donaldson Academy at Fayetteville, under the Rev. Simeon 
Colton, D.D. Under these two faithful teachers, and by his 
own diligence, was laid the foundation of that broad and 
thorough scholarship for which he was afterwards deservedly 
distinguished. In the fall of 1835 he and his brother, James 
Steven, went to Yale College, and entered the Freshman class. 
They remained there only one session, then came to Princeton 
and entered (one class higher) the second session of the 
Sophomore year. At the same time he became a member of 
the Whig Society. 

When Daniel Johnson entered our class he was by several 
years older than any of its members save one or two, and 
was more matured in characterj in judgment and in scholar- 
ship than were his classmates. He was grave, thoughtful 
meditative, always a devout, consistent, modest, unassuming, 
unselfish, kind-hearted Christian man. No college duty was 
ever neglected. No recitation was ever imperfectly prepared. 
He came out, at the end of the course, with the highest 
grade of the class and delivered its Latin Salutatory. 

After graduating with such high distinction, he went to 
Mississippi and taught two years in a private family. He 
then received the appointment of Tutor in Princeton College, 
and filled that position four years, 1840-44. At the same 
time, having entered the Theological Seminary, he passed 
through its regular course of three years, was graduated in 
1843, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, April 26, 1843. He was ordained by the Presby- 
tery of Fayetteville some time in the fall of 1845. In the 
year 1844 he returned to his native State, and became Princi- 
pal of Cumberland Academy, at the same time filling the 



96 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

pulpit of Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church as stated supply, 
1844-47. He then became Principal of Donaldson Academy 
at Fayetteville, N. C, for eight years, 1848-56, at the same 
time preaching as stated supply to the two churches of Bar- 
becue and Galatea. In 1858 he became Principal of Floral 
College, N. C, and continued to hold that position until 1865, 
at the same time supplying the churches at Laurinburgh and 
Lebanon in that vicinity. This was his last field of labor. 
He died at his residence near Floral College, N. C, March 7, 
1868, of bronchial consumption. 

About the first day of July, 1844, Mr. Johnson married 
Eliza Matilda Gulick, daughter of John Gulick, Esq., of 
Kingston, near Princeton, N. J., a very estimable and lovely 
lady, who survived him but a short time. They left two 
daughters and three sons, viz. : i. Laura, who married Thomas 
Cook, and died about 1871. 2. William Dalrymple John- 
son, who lives in Greenville, Texas. 3. James Edward 

Johnson, married Miss Hetty Fort, and lives at Fair Bluff, 

N. C. 4. Alice, who was the adopted daughter of the Rev. 

J. Leighton Wilson, D.D., and now lives with her uncle, John 
Wiley Gulick, M.D., at Corsicana, Texas. 5. Thomas Chal- 
mers, married a Miss' Harrison, and lives at Greenville, Texas. 

His brother, Hon. William D. Johnson, of Marion, S. C. 
(Class of 1843), writes of him: "I have always thought my 
brother's bad health was caused by overwork. He taught 
almost constantly, and was at the same time acting pastor of 
two churches some 20 miles apart. He was as purely unsel- 
fish as any person I ever knew, and never seemed to be happy 
unless employed for the benefit of others. He did a great 
deal to advance higher education in North Carolina. His last 
days were just such as you might expect from a life devoted 
to duty — full of resignation to his Father's will, and entirely 
satisfied that there was a crown awaiting him above," 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 97 



GEORGE CROW JONES, A.M. M.D. 

George Crow Jones was the son of George Jones and Mrs. 
Jane Ochiltree Jones, and was born at Wilmington, Del., Oc- 
tober 8, 1817. He was finally prepared for college at the 
school of the Rev. John T. Halsey, at Elizabethtown, N. J., 
and entered the Junior Class at Princeton College in 1836, 
becoming also a member of the Whig Society. He was a 
young man of medium size ; of quiet, unpretending, pleasing, 
and gentlemanly manners ; and was orderly, good, true, and 
attentive to all his college duties. 

After graduating, he devoted himself to the study of medi- 
cine, and received his medical diploma in 1842, from Jefferson 
Medical College, in Philadelphia. He first practiced medicine 
at Massillon, Ohio, for two or three years. His nextJocation 
was in his native State, where he was offered practice at Du- 
pont's Powder Mills, on the Brandywine Creek, about five 
miles from Wilmington, In 1857 he removed to Sharpsburg, 
Mo., where he practiced two years, going thence in 1859 to 
Palmyra, the nearest town of any considerable size. While 
he was residing there, the civil war broke out in 1861, when 
he at once offered his professional services for the good of his 
country, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon in the Third 
Missouri Cavalry Regiment. In the second year of the war 
this regiment was ordered to Southwestern Missouri, and 
while in that swampy and malarial region, with impure water 
and unwholesome food, his health gave way and he resigned 
his position. After a severe and dangerous illness, from the 
effects of which he never fully recovered, he removed with 
his family to Chicago, 111. In Chicago he resided eight years, 
returning to Missouri in 1870, and settling in Monroe City, 
Monroe County, Mo , where he passed the remaining ten 
years of his life, and where he died suddenly, February 27, 
1 88 1, of paralysis of the brain, induced by Bright's Disease of 
the Kidneys. 

Dr. Jones married, April 22, 185 1, Miss Caroline Ash 
Scheetz, youngest daughter of the Rev. George Scheetz, 
7 



98 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

Rector of St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church, at Frank- 
ford, Pa. She died three years after her husband. 

They had four children, all still living, viz : Maria May, 
married John H. McClintic, of Virginia, and lives at Monroe 

City, Missouri ; 2, Henrietta Ord, unmarried, showing 

marked ability as an artist, and is a student in The St. Louis 

School of Fine Arts; 3, Elizabeth Scheetz, married to 

John J. Rogers, of Virginia, now a merchant of Monroe City, 
Mo. 4, Frederick Scheetz, born at Palmyra, Mo, a grad- 
uate of Yale College, Class of 1881, a man of high promise; 
for two years Professor of Physics in the State University of 
Minnesota, at Minneapolis, which position he resigned for the 
sake of further pursuing his studies at the University of 
Berlin, Germany. 

Dr Jones was for many years a devout member of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church and a Sabbath-School Superin- 
tendent. He was not only a faithful Christian, but a good 
physician, doing all the good in his power around his home. 
He was beloved and honored by all who knew him as a 
courtly, finished gentleman, a ripened scholar, and an upright, 
honorable man. 

" To the last," writes one of his daughters, " he dearly loved 
his Alma Mater, and to chance to meet any of his classmates 
was a source of unmixed delight to him. His associations 
with Dr. J. V. Z. Blaney, when they were both living in Chi- 
cago, were extremely pleasant, and they discussed with keen 
relish their old college days." 



ABRAHAM FAW IvEONARD, A.M., ESQ. 

Abraham Faw Leonard, son of Jacob and Sophia Eliza- 
beth (Faw) Leonard, was born at Washington, D. C, January 
ii I, 1820, but removed to Alexandria, Va., in his early years. 
His preparation for college was acquired mainly under the 
Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, of Norfolk, Va., and the Rev. George 
Halson. He entered the College at Newark, Del., but did 
not remain there long. He went to Princeton College early 



PRINCETON COIvI^EGE. 99 

in 1836, joined the Sophomore Class near the end of its 
year, and became a Clio. He was under the average size and 
of slight build, quiet in his manner, and a faithful student, 
graduating with the fourteenth grade of his class. 

After graduating, he studied law under William F. Sharp, 
Esq., of Norfolk, Va., and after receiving license practiced his 
profession in that city until 1854. For some years he was a 
member of the Legislature of Virginia. For several years 
prior to i860 he was editor of " The Southern Argus',' a 
newspaper published at Norfolk, in which work he exhibited 
signal ability. In 1857 he fell through a trap door left open 
on the street; broke his kneepan, was lamed and walked on 
crutches for ten or twelve years, suffering greatly, but pa- 
tiently. His lameness prevented his taking any active part in 
the civil war. He is said by a Norfolk lawyer who knew him 
well to have been " a capital lawyer, but did not take high 
rank as a speaker. He was a very superior writer. A series 
of articles he published on the yellow fever were grand. And 
he was a good poet; was a man of great cultivation and much 
genius, but of weak health. The latter part of his life was 
inactiv^e. Up to about 1854 he owned considerable property, 
but lost nearly all by unprofitable investments." He died at 
Alexandria, Va., December 27, 1870. He had been reared in 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, but was never a member of 
any church. 

Mr. Leonard was thrice married: i. To Virginia, daughter 

of the late Thomas Talbot, Esq., of Norfolk, Va. 2d. To 

Miss Louisa Dickson, sister of Richard Dickson, Esq., of 

Norfolk, and of Mrs. Tazewell Taylor.' 3d. To Caroline 

Davis, daughter of General Joseph H. Davis and niece of the 
widely-known Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi. She survived 
him and still lives in Norfolk. No child survived him. 

THEODORE UTTLE, A.M., ESQ. 

Theodore Little was born at Hackettstown, N. J., 
February 29, 18 19. His parents were William Little and 
Susannah (Sherrerd) Little. Our classmate says of his parents : 



100 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

" My father was, I believe, a Scotch Irishman, and President 
McCosh told my son Stephen when introduced to him, that 
he had known ' some very respectable people of that name in 
Ireland.' My mother died in my infancy and my father in 
1824. My father's second wife was Mary Morford, of Princeton, 
N. J., a relative of Prof John S. Hart's wife. What I am, I 
owe mainly to my step-mother, who was all to me that a 
mother could have been." 

He was prepared for college at the Hackettstown School of 
which Joseph McCord, A. M. (Princeton College Class of 
1825) was then principal. He entered Princeton College in 
1 835, joining the Sophomore Class and the Cliosophic Society. 
He was of medium size in person; in manner sedate, orderly, 
agreeable, much loved by a wide circle of friends, never get- 
ting into any mischief or scrapes of any sort, punctiliously 
attentive to every college duty, and earnestly studious, gradu- 
ating with distinction by taking the eighth grade in our class 
of seventy-five. 

After graduating, Mr. Little read law two-and-a-half years 
with the Hon. Jacob W. Miller, afterwards U. S. Senator from 
New Jersey ; and six months in the office of the Hon. Ira C. 
Whitehead, afterwards a Justice of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey. 

On receiving license to practice he immediately established 
himself in his profession at Morristown, N. J., where he has 
continued unto this day, and where he has become one of the 
pillars of social, professional and church life. 

Since the organization of The First National Bank, of Mor- 
ristown, Mr. Little has been and still is its President. For a 
time he held the office of " Commissioner of Appeals in 
matters of taxation." In 1864 he was nominated for Congress 
on the Republican ticket in his Congressional District which 
then held a Democratic majority of about 3,000, and it was 
reduced at the following election to about 1800. But, best of 
all, he is an active and useful Christian man, and has for a 
long course of years been a ruling elder in the First Pres- 
byterian Church, of Morristown. Long may he live, con- 
tinuing to enjoy the respect and affection of his fellow citizens. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 101 

Mr. Little has been thrice married: i. To Mary Heath 
Marsh, daughter of Ephraim Marsh, Sr., of Morris Co., Jan- 
uary 5, 1842, She died June 6th of the same year. 2. To 

Sarah B. Hedges, daughter of Stephen Hedges, M. D., of 
Newton, N. J., on June 2, 1846. She died October 12, 1866. 

3. To Annis Williams Johnes, daughter of George W. 

Johnes, of Morristown, N. J., August 18, 1868, who still lives. 
He has six living children, viz.: i. Stephen Hedges Little, a 
Princeton College graduate, Class of 1868, who married Corne- 
lia, daughter of Jacob M. Halsted, of New York, and resides at 
Morristown, 2. Theodore Little, Jr., married Edith, daugh- 
ter of Judge Leonard, of Colorado, and resides at Aspen, Colo- 
rado. 3. Margaret J., married Frank S. Craven, son of the 

Rev. E. R. Craven, D.D., residing at Morristown, N. J. 4. 

Sarah Hedges, unmarried, residing at present at Aspen, Col- 
orado. 5. George Johnes, at his father's home.-% — 6. Eliz- 
abeth N., at her father's home. 

Our classmate writes: " I am thankful I have never had any 
political aspirations, nor indeed aspirations for office of any 
kind. I am happy to say that I do not think I was ever in 
better health than at present, although I cannot deceive myself 
as to my age. Nor do I desire to do so. Life is indeed a 
checkered scene. How short the time appears since our 
graduation, and yet it is more than half a century! " 

It was profoundly regretted by all who were there, that we 
could not draw Mr. Little to our grand class meeting on June 
20, 1888. But the truth was, his face had been disfigured by 
contact with poisonous ivy, and he did not wish to frighten 
his venerable classmates or to have them carry away disagree- 
able recollections of his own appearance. But the writer saw 
him some months later, and can certify all parties interested 
that he is now to all appearance one of the youngest looking 
and best preserved survivors of the class of 1838. 



102 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 



LEWIS Mcknight, a.m., m.d. 

Lewis McKnight, son of Joseph and Mary (Green) Mc- 
Knight, was born at Long Branch, N. J., November 2, 1817, 
but during his college course his home was at Bordentown, 
N. J. For some time he was a pupil in Gummere's School at 
Burlington, N. J. In the spring of 1836 he went to Princeton 
and received private instruction from Professors John S. Hart 
and Stephen Alexander, entering the Junior Class of that year, 
and the Cliosophic Society. 

All his classmates who yet live well remember him as 
slightly above the average height and rather slender ; lithe 
and springy in movement ; of handsome, expressive and intel- 
ligent face ; always neat as a pin in his attire ; easy, agreeable 
and gentlemanly in manner; a decided favorite among his 
fellow-students ; and creditably studious and attentive to 
college duties. 

Immediately on graduating he began, in company with his 
two classmates and most intimate friends, Van Wyck and Van 
Arsdale, to study medicine in the University of Pennsylvania 
at Philadelphia, and the three took their medical degree at the 
same time in 1841. "Soon after this," Dr. McKnight writes, 
"I married, and sailed for Paris in October, 1841. I there 
again met Van Arsdale. He returned in the spring of 1842 
and settled in New York. I returned in the fall of 1842 and 
put out my shingle on the 1st of December in that year at 
Troy, N. Y., where I practiced four years. Van Wyck settled 
for awhile in Philadelphia, and I saw them from time to time 
until I removed to Milwaukee in 1850. With these two 
exceptions and that of Blaney, whom I saw at different times 
in Chicago, I do not call to mind that I ever saw any one of 
our classmates since I graduated, up to our class-meeting in 
June last." 

After practicing medicine four years at Troy, N. Y., as 
above-mentioned, Dr. McKnight removed to Milwaukee, Wis., 
in 1850, where he practiced until about 1866. About 1859 
he accepted the office of Medical Director of the North- 



PRINCETON COLIvEGE. 103 

western Mutual Life Insurance Company, which position he 
still holds and to the duties of which he has devoted his whole 
time for over twenty years. 

Dr. McKnight married, July 6, 1841, Elizabeth Walker 
Merritt, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Merritt, of Troy, N. Y. 
This lady is still living. Of the six children they have had, 
three are living, viz.: i. Cornelia Trimble, married Lewis 
G. Hughes, and at present resides with her father. 2. Caro- 
line Merritt, married Lieutenant William P. Van Ness, and 

lives at Ithaca, N. Y. 3. Emma Jane, married J. Walton 

Fisher, M.D., and resides in Milwaukee, Wis. 

He has seven grandchildren. 

He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 

It was a real joy to his classmates assembled at Princeton 
on June 20, 1888, to have Dr. McKnight come in among 
them from so long a journey. And except in the c^lor of his 
hair and beard, he was quite unchanged in fifty years, as bright, 
vivacious and energetic as ever. 



GRIFFITH JOHN McRBE, A.M. 

Griffith John McRee, son of James Fergus McRee, M.D., 
and Mary Ashe (Hill) McRee, was born September 20, 1819, 
at Wilmington, N. C, and was prepared for college under the 
instructions of Mr. W. H. Hardin at Pittsboro', N. C. He 
entered Princeton College in 1835, joining the Sophomore 
Class and the Clio Society. He was short in stature and 
rather thick-set, with a round, good-natured, laughing face; 
was warm-hearted, sociable and agreeable ; was fairly studious, 
and graduated with a grade considerably above the average. 

After graduating Mr. McRee studied law in the office of 
Joseph A. Hill, Esq., of Wilmington, in 1841 was licensed to 
practice, and followed his profession for several years. He 
then became a rice planter on the Cape Fear River. After the 
close of the war, however, he returned to his former profes- 
sion. 

Mr. McRee entered the Confederate army as a private in 



104 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

1863, but, his health failing, he was detailed on duty in the 
naval department at Wilmington, and afterwards in the Quar- 
termaster's department. 

He married, October 20, 1842, at Raleigh, N. C, Penelope 
Iredell, daughter of the Hon. James Iredell. She died Octo- 
ber 12, 1862, at Wilmington. He left four children, who are 
still living, viz. : i. Miss F. I. McRee, living at Tyler, Texas. 

2. James Iredell McRee, living at Raleigh, N. C, and 

is Editor of " The News and Observer^' a leading Democratic 

paper of that city. 3. Penelope, wife of J. D. Smith, living 

at Texarkana, Texas. 4. William McRee, living at Texar- 

kana, Texas. 

Mr. McRee died of consumption April 29, 1872, at Wil- 
mington, N. C. He was a member of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church. 

He was an accomplished scholar. Literature was his 
delight, and he made it the constant companion of his leisure 
hours. A friend in Wilmington writes : " He was a delight- 
ful writer, and his productions indicated painstaking research. 
He was considered a genius with us in North Carolina, and 
his memory is cherished as such." He wrote much for the 
newspapers. He also wrote one volume, " The Life and 
Correspondence of Hon. James Iredell," published about 1857, 
and which attained a widespread notoriety. 



THOMAS COLEMAN MONTGOMERY, A.M., ESQ. 

Thomas Coleman Montgomery, son of Harvey Montgom- 
ery of Philadelphia afterwards of Rochester, and Mary Elea- 
nor Rochester, daughter of Col. Nathaniel Rochester one of 
the founders of the city of Rochester, N. Y., was born at 
Rochester, N. Y., July 13, 1820. He was prepared for college 
at Flushing Institute, Long Island, N. Y., where he spent four 
years under the teaching of the Rev. William Augustus 
Muhlenberg, D.D. He entered the Senior Class at Princeton 
College in 1837, and became a member of the Whig Society. 

Our recollection of him is that he was always bright, 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 105 

cheery, with a decided streak of humor in him, affable, gen- 
tlemanly, extremely neat in his attire, and a good scholar. 
He received the twelfth grade in his class at graduation. 

On leaving college he immediately began the study of law 
in the office of Gen. Vincent Matthews of Rochester. On 
receiving license he at once established himself in practice in 
his native city, where he has continued with great success and 
increasing honor ever since. He is now one of the foremost 
and most distinguished lawyers of that large and busy city. 
He has held many positions of trust and great responsibility, 
among which may be mentioned those of Alderman of the 
city of Rochester, and Supervisor of the County. Twice, in 
1874 and again in 1877, he has been appointed Lay Deputy 
from the Diocese of Western New York to the General Con- 
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
States. • 

Mr. Montgomery married, December 14. 1848, Mary Gris- 
wold Whitney, daughter of Andrew G. Whitney, of Detroit, 
Mich. She "went to sleep," June 14, 1882. Of six children 
born to them only two daughters remain, viz. ; Mary Whitney, 
unmarried and residing with her father, and Florence Mont- 
gomery, married to Edward B. Angell, M.D,, and living in 
Rochester, N. Y. 

Mr. Montgomery's father (Harvey Montgomery) was a 
student in Princeton College, but did not graduate. Mr. 
Montgomery thinks his father left at the time the College was 
first burned. Harvey Fitzhugh Montgomery, M.D. (Class of 
1839) ^^^ ^^^ younger brother of our classmate. 

Mr. Montgomery writes : " Politically I have always been a 
Whig or a Republican. I was in favor of observing strictly 
our constitutional obligations to the South, and of not inter- 
fering with slavery in the States where it existed. But these 
obligations I believed were annulled by the war waged by the 
South to dissever the Union." 

It was a matter of profound regret that we could not draw 
Mr. Montgomery to our grand class-meeting on June 20, 
1888. Instead of coming he sent the following letter, which 
ought to be inserted here. 



106 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Dear Friends and Classmates : — I am obliged to you for your 
cordial invitation, but the care of a family and the demands of business 
debar me from the pleasure of accepting it. 

I am glad of this opportunity to greet the venerable (!) brethren from 
v/hom I parted in the spring-time of life fifty years ago. Though only 
a year at Princeton, I cherish the memories of my college life there 
with much pleasure. 

And what a half century it has been ! — filled as no other century has 
been or in all probability ever will be, with extraordinary achievements 
in science and enterprise. Ocean steamers and ocean cables — tele- 
graphs around the globe — telephones from house to house and from city 
to city. Electricity employed to disperse the darkness of the night, 
and to supersede the labor of man and beast — a mighty Empire on the 
Pacific Coast rising out of a wilderness — and a gigantic civil war happily 
terminated with new pledges for a perpetual union. Surely we have had 
our share of human experience. 

Sons of our Alma Mater, I greet you again, and wish you all the 
blessings of a ripe and honored age. 

Fraternally, 

Thomas C. Montgomery. 



WILUAM AUGUSTUS NEWBOLD, A.M., ESQ. 

William Augustus Newbold, son of Thomas and Ann 
(Taylor) Newbold, was born in Burlington County, N. J., June 
18, 1818. His family on both his father's and mother's side, 
were Friends. He was prepared for college at Burlington, 
N. J., under the Rev. Samuel Aaron, a Baptist clergyman. 

Mr. Newbold entered the Sophomore Class, half advanced, 
of Princeton College, early in the year 1836, and became a 
member of the Cliosophic Society. He was of average height 
and had a strongly built and vigorous frame ; was agreeable 
but somewhat retiring and diffident in manner ; excelled upon 
the play-ground, was steady, orderly and fairly studious. 

After graduating, he studied law three years under William 
Rawle, Esq., of Philadelphia; was licensed about 1843, and 
practiced about seven years in Philadelphia. He then retired 
to his farm, named " Brookdale," about four miles from 
Bordentown, N. ]., the original homestead of his mother's 
family, occupied by his great great-grandfather about 1675, 
and where his mother was born. There he has lived ever 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 107 

since, with no other occupation than that furnished by his 
farm. And there he is still enjoying a healthy and vigorous 
old age. 

Mr. Newbold married, May i6, 1850, Louisa B. Fobes, 
daughter of George W. Fobes, of Philadelphia, and sister of 
Thomas Fobes, class of 1839. She died April 17, 1874. 
They had three children, viz. : ist. George Fobes Newbold, 

who died about 1882, unmarried, at about 31 years of age 

2d. Albert Newbold, who married Miss Emily Thompson, and 
lives in San Francisco, Cal., in the employ of the Govern- 
ment. 3d. Thomas Earp Newbold, who married Miss 

Clementine Gould in 1884, and is a civil engineer, residing in 
Washington, D. C. He has one grandchild. 

John Smith Newbold, deceased, of the college class of 
1816, and George Lawrie Newbold, M. D., class of 1837, were 
cousins of our classmate. % 

Mr. Newbold is not a member of any church, but by pre- 
ference is a Presbyterian, of which church his wife was a 
member, and in which his children were baptized. During 
the civil war of 1861-5, he was an earnest and unflinching sup- 
porter of the government, but took no active, personal part in 
the contest. He was present at our class-meeting at Princeton 
on June 20, 1888, appearing almost as robust and vigorous as 
he was fifty years ago. His presence added much to the 
enjoyableness of that delightful gathering. 

REV. MALCOM AIvFRBD PATTERSON, A.M. 

Malcom Alfred Patterson, son of William and Mary 
(McKinnon) Patterson, was born May 3, 1810, near Union 
Church, in Moore County, N. C, and received his preparatory 
education at Donaldson Academy at Fayette County, N. C. 
Their father died when he and his only brother, John, (after- 
wards a lawyer somewhere in the West) were quite young, and 
they were thrown upon their own exertions for an education. 
Malcom taught school some years near the place of his birth. 
He early became a Christian and made a public profession of 
his faith in Christ. 



108 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Mr. Patterson entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton 
College in 1835, at the same time joining the Whig Society. 
He was some years older than the most of his classmates, 
and was grave and sedate in countenance and demeanor, these 
testifying that he had long battled with care, anxiety and 
sorrow. At the same time he was always courteous, polite 
and affable. But everywhere and at all times he was a con- 
sistent Christian man, and was thoroughly respected as such. 
He was also assiduous in study, and his final grade was con- 
siderably above the average of his class. 

On leaving college, Mr. Patterson entered the Theological 
Seminary at Columbia, S. C, whence he was regularly gradu- 
ated in 1 84 1. He was licensed to preach the gospel in 1842 
by Fayetteville Presbytery, and after supplying its pulpit two 
or three years, received a call from Pea River Presbyterian 
Church in Barbour County, Alabama, where he was ordained 
and installed as pastor in 1845. Here he labored pleasantly 
and successfully about eighteen years. In i860 this pastoral 
relation was dissolved, and he removed to Arkansas, where 
he preached as stated supply to the Presbyterian Church at 
Mount Holly, Union County, Ark., until 1865. During the 
last years of his life, owing to feeble and declining health, he 
was not able to preach regularly. This was a source of deep 
sorrow to him, as he dearly loved his chosen work. But his 
health grew worse and worse, and he gently breathed his last 
at Mount Holly, Ark., March 18, 1882, in the seventy-second 
year of his age. His disease was consumption. 

" Mr. Patterson was an humble, devout and earnest man ; a 
man of sterling integrity, uprightness and purity of motives 
surpassed by very few. His preaching was of the purest and 
most evangelical type. The last years of his life were 
shadowed by dark clouds of affliction, as "he was bereaved of 
two lovely Christian daughters. But he was well sustained 
by divine power and grace." Such was the testimony of the 
presbytery of which he was a member at the time of his death. 

Mr. Patterson was twice married : i . To Ann McRae, 
daughter of Colin McRae, December 31, 1844, at Fort 
Gaines, Ga. She died in 1870. 2, To Mary Ann McRae, 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 109 

daughter of Christopher McRae, March 3, 1872, at Mount 
Holly, Ark. She is still living at Mount Holly with her bro- 
ther, K. G. McRae, M.D. Mr. Patterson had eight children, 
of whom two only are now living, viz. : i. Augusta, married 
to Mr. Henry Hawkins, of Mount Holly, Ark., and 2. Al- 
fred Patterson, of Hope, Ark., not married. 



BUSHA BOYD PENDLETON, M.D. 

Elisha Boyd Pendleton, son of Philip Clayton Pendleton 
(Class of 1796) and Sarah (Boyd) Pendleton, was born at 
Martinsburg, Berkeley County, W, Va., January 13, 1820, 
His father above-mentioned (Philip C. Pendleton) was born 
in 1779, went to Princeton College in the spring of 1793, and 
was graduated in 1796, when not yet seventeen ye%rs of age, 
in the same class with the distinguished John Macpherson 
Berrien and William Gaston, dividing the first honor of the 
class with the latter. Our class-mate received his preparatory 
education at Martinsburg, his native place, under Samuel M. 
Whann, who received an honorary degree of A.M. from 
Princeton College in 1838. 

Mr. Pendleton entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton, 
half-advanced, in the spring of 1836, and joined the Whig 
Society. He was a little over medium size and strongly 
built, of a staid, quiet and dignified mien for one of his age; 
affable, courteous, much respected and much beloved, and 
attentive to all college duties. 

Immediately after his graduation, he began the study of 
medicine at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, from 
which he received his degree of M.D. He also attended one 
course at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and 
during that time was appointed a resident student in a hospi- 
tal near Baltimore, finishing his course there. Soon after, he 
settled down in the practice of his profession at Berkeley 
Springs, Morgan County, W. Va., not far from his native 
place. Here he has continued ever since. He very modestly 
writes of himself: " My life has had in it nothing differing 



J 10 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

from the lives of thousands of others. Trying to stand in my 
lot in the unobtrusive requirements of home, and to exercise 
an influence for good on others with whom I have been 
brought in contact, has been about the sum of my ambition. 
Up to the war, my life was a very quiet one. Since the war, 
I have resumed the practice of medicine. The field is a nar- 
row one, and is more connected with the simple ' annals of 
the poor' than with the rush of a larger population. I am a 
quiet country doctor, waiting to end my days in sincere hu- 
mility and faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Like your- 
self, I am a Presbyterian. I am also a ruling elder." 

We may venture to add that from other sources we have 
learned that through all the region where he lives and is 
known, Dr. Pendleton is regarded as a thoroughly reliable 
physician, as a kind neighbor and a steadfast friend, as a wise 
and useful citizen, and as a consistent and honored Christian. 

Dr. Pendleton was a cousin of our lately deceased and 
much lamented classmate, Dr. Alexander S. Dandridge, of 
Cincinnati. On the roll of the Princeton College Alumni are 
also found, besides his father already mentioned, his near 
relative, Philip Pendleton Cooke, Class of 1834; his two 
brothers, Philip Pendleton, Jr., Class of 1833, and Edmund 
Pendleton, Class of 1834; and his nephew, Alexander Robin- 
son Pendleton, Class of 1868, a son of his brother Edmund, 
His grandson, John Chester Backus Pendleton, is now an 
undergraduate student at Princeton. 

During a part of the civil war of 1861-5, Dr. Pendleton was 
in the army and held President Lincoln's commission as 
Brigade Surgeon, but exposure and sickness made it necessary 
for him to resign before the end of the war. " The chief 
significance to be attached," he writes, " to that portion of my 
life is, that I remained true to my country and to my State, 
believing that her honor as well as her interest, was in the 
Union ; and I look back with pride to the fact that I opposed 
with all my power the madness and folly of that sad time." 

Dr. Pendleton married, April 25, 1843, Lucinda Tutt, 
daughter of Charles Pendleton Tutt, a distant relation, of 
Loudoun County, Va. She died August 14, 1887. They 



PRINCETON COLLEIGE. Ill 

had three children, all now living, viz.: i. Charles H. 
Pendleton, a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, 
who married Matilda, daughter of the Rev. John C. Backus, 
D.D., of Baltimore. She died in Baltimore in 1877, leaving 
two children, John C. B. Pendleton, now a student in Prince- 
ton College, and Lucinda. Their home is in Baltimore. 

2. Sally Boyd, married to Eugene Van Rensselaer, the only 
surviving son of Stephen Van Rensselaer of Albany. They 

have two children. 3. Nathaniel Dandridge Pendleton, 

married in June, 1888, Agnes Taylor, of Baltimore, Md. Our 
classmate has four grandchildren. 

Dr. Pendleton was present at our class-meeting on June 20, 
1888, at Princeton, and his presence was hailed with delight 
by all his classmates who were there. In appearance he was 
less changed by the flight of fifty years than all had expected 
to find him. Not one of those present had seen hin^since we 
parted on the day of our graduation. 



GEN. LEWIS PERRINE, A.M. 

Lewis Perrine, son of Major John Perrine, Jr., and Sarah 
(Ely) Perrine, was born in Freehold Township, Monmouth 
County, N. J., September 14, 1815. His family was of a dis- 
tinguished Huguenot origin, and one of his ancestors came 
to New Jersey with Sir Philip Carteret, about 1665, The 
name was originally spelt " Perrin." His preparatory educa- 
tion was acquired at the Lawrenceville High School, near 
Princeton, where he was a pupil of the Rev. Isaac V. Brown, 
D.D., and Alexander H. Phillips, A.M., from 1832 to 1835. 

He joined the Sophomore Class and the Whig Society in 
Princeton College in 1835. He was in stature above the 
average size, of agreeable manners, friendly and sociable in 
disposition, somewhat fond of fun and frolic, excelling on the 
play-ground, and held in high regard and esteem by all his 
fellow-students. 

After his graduation from College, he chose the profession 
of law, and became a student in the office of the Hon. Garret 



112 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

D. Wall, then U. S. Senator from New Jersey. Owing to the 
absence of Gen. Wall in Washington a large part of his time, 
and the founding of a Law School in connection with the 
college, in which James S. Green, Esq., and Richard S. Field, 
Esq., were Professors, Mr. Perrine removed to Princeton, and 
continued his legal studies in the office of James S. Green, 
PLsq. He received license in September, 1841, and opened an 
office in Trenton, where he continued to practice until 1855, 
when he was appointed Quarter-Master General of the State 
of New Jersey, which position he still holds. From The 
Legislative Manual of New Jersey for 1884, page 155, we 
quote the following: In 185 1 "he was appointed and served 
as Military Secretary to Gov. Fort. He was appointed Aid- 
de-Camp on the staff of Gov. Price in 1854, and was commis- 
sioned Quarter-Master General, September 22, 1855. His 
services during the late war, which were both arduous and 
trying, were executed with rare ability and expedition. The 
State of New Jersey having more troops in the field than the 
regular forces of the United States, made the duties of the 
office very laborious, requiring much skill and endurance in 
their execution. For meritorious services in the discharge of 
the same, he was made [April 28, 1865] Brevet Major-General 
by the Senate, on the recommendation of Gov. Joel Parker." 

On the creation of the free banking system, he was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Fort, with the Hon. Charles S. Olden, as Bank 
Commissioner, and served until the abolition of the system 
by the repeal of the law. In 1871 he was one of the Com- 
missioners to rebuild the State House, and continued as such 
ten years. In 1879 he was one of the Yorktown Commis- 
sioners. In 1866 he was President of the Board of Visitors 
to the West Point Military Academy. He has been frequently 
tendered high positions in the military and civil service, which 
he declined, preferring the less distinguished position of Quar- 
ter-Master General, which he has filled with credit and fidelity 
and to the best interests of the State. 

Gen. Perrine married. May 4, 1842, at Trenton, Ann Eli- 
za Pratt, daughter of James Dundas Pratt, of Philadelphia. 
She is still living. They have three living children, viz. : i. 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGE. 113 

Mary Agnes, who married Lieut. James E. Bell, now deceased, 
of the United States Army, and resides with her father, in 

Trenton. 2. Henry Pratt Perrine, a graduate of West 

Point Military Academy in 1869, and now a Captain in the 
United States Cavalry, who married Louise Scudder, daughter 
of Judge Edward W. Scudder, of the Supreme Court of New 

Jersey. They reside in Trenton. 3. Lewis Perrine, Jr., 

Assistant Quarter-master General of New Jersey with the 
rank of Colonel, graduated from Princeton College in the 
class of 1880, married Harriet Adelaide Slack, daughter of 
Major William B. Slack, deceased, late of the United States 
Marine Corps. They reside in Trenton. 

Gen. Perrine is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He 
has an uncommonly fine collection of orchids, to which he 
devotes much personal attention. 

He was present at our Class Meeting" at Princetoft on June 
20, 1888, looking well and vigorous, and taking an active 
and joyous part in all our proceedings. He deserved and re- 
ceived the gratitude of his assembled classmates for his 
thoughtfulness, generosity and excellent taste, as shown in 
providing at his own expense a sufficient number of beauti- 
ful and appropriate badges — the gilded figures '38 — worn by 
each one on the Commencement stage, attached to the lapel 
of his coat. One and all will treasure this badge while they 
live, and will never look at it without a special and grateful 
remembrance of Gen. Lewis Perrine. 



REV. ABNER ADDISON PORTER, A.M., D.D. 

Abner Addison Porter, son of the Rev. Francis Hamil- 
ton Porter and Mrs, Isabella (Kilpatrick) Porter, was born 
October 12, 18 17, at Asheville, N. C. He belonged to a 
family of ministers. His father, his maternal grandfather, 
his two maternal uncles and his three brothers all being 
Presbyterian ministers. While he was yet a child, his father 
removed to Alabama, and established a classical school at 
Selma, in that State. In this school the youthful Abner as- 
8 



114 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

sisted his father until his own preparations for college were 
completed, even at that early age displaying such mental 
vigor, intellectual growth and moral excellence as gave rare 
promise of future eminence and usefulness. 

He entered the Sophomore Class in the College of New 
Jersey, in 1835, and the Whig Society. In form he was tall 
and slender ; in manners grave, sedate, modest and diffident. 
He was a model of regularity and punctuality, and unsur- 
passed in diligent attention to every study and to every duty 
of his class. His recitations were almost invariably perfect. 
At his graduation he was fourth in rank among seventy-five, 
the three who were above him being above by a very small 
fraction. He was also an excellent speaker, having a clear 
voice, a fine style, an earnest, graceful and impressive deliv- 
ery. At the graduation of the class he delivered the Vale- 
dictory, and an unusually fine one it was. He was always 
held in unbounded respect and esteem by his fellow-students. 

On leaving college, Mr. Porter returned to Alabama and 
spent about a year in teaching, after which he entered the 
Theological Seminary at Columbia, S. C, passed through a 
full three years course of study, and was graduated in 1842. 
He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa 
(Ala.) Oct. 15, 1842, and having accepted calls to become 
pastor of the two churches of Bethsalem and Burton's Hill, 
in that presbytery, was ordained and installed over them, Nov. 
19, 1843. He labored in this field until 1847, when he was 
removed to Charleston and became Assistant Pastor (with 
Rev. Thomas Smythe, D. D.), of the Second Presbyterian 
Church in that city. But soon after, in May, 1847, the Glebe 
St. Church, whose members were a colony from the Second, 
was organized Nov. 26, 1848, and Mr. Porter was installed as 
its pastor. He gave to it such a wealth of pulpit and pastoral 
endowments, that the new enterprise entered upon a remarka- 
ble career of prosperity. Thence he was called in 185 1, to 
the pastorate of the important church at Selma, Alabama, 
where he remained until i860, when his health failed to such 
an extent as to render a continuance of his pulpit labors im- 
possible. A fine estimate of him during this period of his life 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 115 

is given by a highly intelligent lady who sat under his preach- 
ing in Selma, and knew him well : 

" He was a courteous and elegant gentleman ; a little re- 
served in manners, even so much as to appear distant on 
meeting with strangers, but beaming delightfully on his 
friends. He was a laborious and painstaking pastor, even to 
this day remembered with grateful affection by those who 
were under his care. He was an able theologian and a strik- 
ingly forcible preacher, a man of mark in the church of the 
south." 

The writer of this sketch never saw Dr. Porter but once 
after his graduation, which was at the meeting of the Presby- 
terian General Assembly in New Orleans in May, 1858. 
Except that he then wore a heavy beard, and that his hair and 
beard were well sprinkled with grey hairs, he was to all ap- 
pearance quite unchanged, and met his classmate\vith the 
same quiet, modest, genial manner he had when they were to- 
gether at Princeton. 

After his recovery frbm a long and dangerous illness he 
accepted the editorial chair of The Southern Presbytei'ian^ a 
religious paper, which he edited about five years, i860- 1865, 
residing in Columbia, S. C. This journal he edited with dis- 
tinguished ability, filling its editorial columns largely with 
rich and rare productions of his own pen. His connection 
with this paper ended about the close of the war, when, his 
health again permitting, he preferred to return to the pulpit. 
In Feb., 1867, he was called to the pastorate of the church at 
Spartanburgh, S. C, and labored there until May, 1869, when 
he left to enter upon his final field of labor in Texas. 

While residing in Spartanburg, he received the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity from Wolford College, a Methodist insti- 
tution located in that place, which was regarded as an indica- 
tion of the general appreciation of his great abilities at his 
own home. 

Dr. Porter, in view of the wide destitutions existing in 
Texas after the war, felt himself strongly attracted thither- 
ward, and the way being providentially opened before him^ 
he took the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church at 



116 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Austin, the capital of that state. He was never installed as 
pastor there, but labored as Stated Supply from May, 1869^ 
until his death, which occurred on Dec. 8, 1872. His labors 
in Austin were not long, but we have the testimony of those 
in that city who well knew him and his work, that he was re- 
garded by all as " a man of learning, ability and eloquence, and 
was endeared to all who knew him as a great and good man." 

Dr. Porter's principal publications were articles in The 
Southern Presbyterian Review, among which may be mentioned 
his articles " On Hodge on the Atonement," Vol. xix., p. 313 ; 
" North and South," Vol. iii., p. 337 ; " Power of the Pulpit," 
Vol. ii., p. 270; "Unity of The Race," Vol. iv., p. 357, and 
his last one, " On a Call to The Gospel Ministry," which was 
published, not only in the Review above-mentioned, but after- 
wards as a pamphlet, and attracted much attention. As has 
already been said, he also wrote much and ably as Editor of 
The Southern Presbyterian. 

Dr. Porter was thrice married : i. To Miss Hannah Napier 
Leland, daughter of the Rev. Aaron Leland, D.D., Professor 
in Columbia Theological Seminary (S. C), on June 13, 1844. 

She died at Selma, Ala., April 20, 1845. 2. To Miss Isabel 

Jane Pratt, daughter of Rev. Horace S. Pratt who had been 
until his death Professor in the University of Alabama at 
Tuscaloosa, on May 14, 1848. She died at Columbia, S. C, 

on January 3, 1862. 3. To Miss Sarah Elizabeth Black, 

daughter of the Hon. James A. Black of Spartanburg Dis- 
trict, S. C, on March 20, 1864. She survived him, and still 
lives at Austin, Texas. She has married again, and is now 
the wife of Mr. Frank R. Lubbock, Ex-Governor of Texas. 

Dr. Porter left two sons and four daughters : i. Isabel May, 

married to Major F. W. James, a banker at Baird, Texas. 

2. Francis Leland. 3. Laleah Dunwoody, married to Rev. 

J. J. Reid, missionary to the Indians, and living at Wapanucka, 

Indian Territory. 4. Jeannette Hannah, married to Lewis 

C.Wise, lived at Abilene, Texas, and died in 1877. 5. 

Abner Addison, married Miss Laura Dalton of Burnet, Texas, 

and lives in Florida. 6. Mary Logan, only child of the 

third Mrs. Porter, died at Ridgeway, S. C, October 27, 1873. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 117 

Many are the testimonies from eminent Southern divines 
and others, to the exalted talents and reputation of Dr. Porter. 
We select only one, from one of the most eminent Southern 
ministers now living, and who was on terms of intimacy with 
him for thirty years : " Dr. Porter was an uncommonly fine 
scholar, and one of the ablest theologians of the Southern 
Church, He was a clear, vigorous, powerful preacher. He 
handled great themes with unction, and was full of the spirit 
of a true Christian minister. His health was poor during 
most of his ministerial life, but he had indomitable will, and 
never flinched from toil. He was really a great man, yet 
wonderfully free from self-consciousness or self-assertion, and 
was singularly truthful, candid, honest and conscientious." 

On one side of the marble shaft that marks his grave in 
the Austin Cemetery is simply a radiant crown, and below it 
only the words : % 

" WON." 
Abner Addison Porter. 



THOMAS RICHARD PURNELL, A.M. 

Thomas Richard Purnell was born near Halifax, Halifax 
County, N. C, January 8, 1817. His parents were John and 
Sarah (Eelbeck) Purnell. He was prepared for college by 
Lewis Bobbitt, at Lewiston, N. C. Before going to Prince- 
ton he was for some time a student at The University of 
North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Some infraction of the Col- 
lege laws occurred. A calf or a goat was put into the belfry 
in such a way as to ring the bell. He was summoned before 
the Faculty, and on examination denied being an active partici- 
pant, but admitted that he knew who were the culprits, and re- 
fused to tell. For this refusal he was suspended, and although 
urged by the President of the University and others, refused 
to return at the end of his term of suspension, insisting that 
a great injustice had been done to him. So he came to 
Princeton in 1835, where he joined the Sophomore Class 
and the Cliosophic Society. His appearance in the days of 



118 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

his college life is vividly and pleasantly depicted by his class- 
mate, Dr. Henry W. B. Woodhull, as follows : 

" Thomas Richard Purnell was of a pure and noble manhood, and 
lovely in mind and heart. In our moments of merriment we used to 
say to him : 'Dear Tom, if we could only dress you up in a woman's 
costume, how impossible it would be not to fall in love with you.' With 
his clear and olive complexion, his quiet and graceful repose of man- 
ner and bearing, his bright, soft, dark, soul-speaking eye, he magnet- 
ized all who came to know him, and won all hearts. After our gradua- 
tion it was my privilege to spend a little time with him in Philadelphia, 
where the absence of college distractions gave me a fuller opportunity 
of forming a correct estimate of him. He had that latent attractiveness 
which became all the more winning on a more intimate companion- 
ship. How sad that death should so early rob us of our best and 
brightest jewels ! His high social position and his brilliant prospects 
then seemed to be the foreshadowing of distinguished honors to him- 
self, to his class and to his country.'' 

On leaving college he at once began to study law in the 
office of the Hon. George E. Badger, at Raleigh, N. C, and 
when licensed, began to practice at Halifax, N. C, his native 
place, where he continued as long as he lived. His success 
was marked. He rapidly rose in popularity and influence. 
In 1846 he was a candidate for the State Legislature, and un- 
dertook a thorough canvass of his county, and would un- 
doubtedly have been elected, but in one of his journeys a 
restive horse threw him, and stepped upon his prostrate 
body. This brought on inflammation of the bowels and con- 
gestive chills, under which he sank after an illness of a few 
days, and died July 19, 1846, at Halifax, N. C, 

Various persons still living in North Carolina testify that 
" he was beloved by all, and his prospects for success as a 
lawyer were the brightest had by any young lawyer in the 
state. For his years he was an eminent lawyer, wonderfully 
so. He was beloved by all, high and low. His moral and 
religious character was of the brightest. He was good and 
kind in every relation of life and to all around him. He 
united with the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was ever a 
consistent member." 

Mr. Purnell married, May 10, 1842, Eliza A. Dudley, 



PRmCETON COIvI,EGE. 119 

daughter of Governor Edward B. Dudley, of Wilmington^ 
N. C. This lady is still living at Wilmington. They had 

two children, i. -Edward Dudley Purnell, born in 1844, 

died in 1846. 2. Thomas Richard Purnell, born August 

10, 1846; married, November 16, 1870, Adelia Zevely, and 
is Attorney and Counsellor at Law at Raleigh, N. C. 

Thomas R. Purnell the (2d) writes : " My son, Thomas 
R. Purnell (3d), is a fine little boy of five years, and I hope 
to be able to send him to Princeton College, a privilege I was 
denied by the results of the war." We hope he will come^ 
and that our grandsons may find in him as charming a classr 
mate as we found in his grandfather. 



RICHARD WIIvIvIAM REDIN, ESQ.% 

Richard William Redin was of English parentage and 
born in Georgetown, D. C, April 30, 1820, being the only son 
of ^Richard and Anne (Wright) Redin. He was finally pre- 
pared for college in his native town under the Rev. James 
McVean, the successor there of President Carnahan, of 
Princeton College. 

Mr. Redin came to Princeton in i835,and joined the Sopho- 
more Class and the Whig Society. He was of medium size, 
active habits, genial temperament, fond of fun, an omnivorous 
reader, a good writer and a pleasant speaker, but graduated 
with a low grade. 

After graduating, he studied law with his father at George- 
town, and after receiving license practiced in connection with 
him until 1846. In the latter year he went to the country 
and lived for a time in Loudoun Co., Va. He also i;esided a 
while in Berkeley Co., near Martinsburg, W. Va., where he 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. While on a visit to his 
father, in Georgetown, he was taken sick and died there of 
Asiatic cholera, August 23, 1849. 

Mr. Redin was never married. He was an Episcopalian, as 
were all his father's family. He is described, by one who 



120 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

knew him well while living in Georgetown, as "a young man 
of genial life and of great probity, the idol of his father's 
heart and worthy of his father's affection." He was buried in 
the beautiful Rock Creek Cemetery near Washington, D. C. 



REV. JOHN HOLT RICE, A.M., D.D. 

John Holt Rice was born at Petersburg, Va., July 23, 1818, 
and was a son of the Rev. Benjamin Holt Rice, D.D., who 
was for many years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 
at Princeton, N. J., and of Martha (Alexander) Rice, who was 
a sister of the Rev. Archibald Alexander, D.D., senior Pro- 
fessor in the Theological Seminar}'' at Princeton. His pre- 
paratory education was acquired partly at Amherst, Mass. ; 
partly at Washington Institute, N. Y. ; and just before entering 
college he received private instruction from Prof John S. 
Hart, LL.D., at Princeton. 

Mr. Rice entered the Junior Class of the College in 1836 
and became a member of the Whig Society. He was kind- 
hearted, amiable, genial, and possessed of large natural gifts ; 
was fond of talking, loved a good joke, was sociable in dis- 
position, and a general favorite. He was only moderately 
studious and received a final grade a little above the average. 

After graduating, he studied law from 1838 to 1841 under 
James S. Green, Esq., at Princeton, and having been admitted 
to the bar, practiced law for a short time at Richmond, Va., 
with excellent prospects of success. At about twenty-four 
years of age he united with the First Presbyterian church of 
Richmond, of which the Rev. William S. Plumer, D.D., was 
then pastor, and soon after felt that duty called him to preach 
the Gospel. He entered Princeton Theological Seminary in 
1842 and was regularly graduated therefrom in 1845, after 
which, for several months, he assisted his father, who was then 
pastor at Princeton. Then going to the South, he labored one 
year, 1846-7, as a City Missionary in New Orleans, La., and 
at the same time was Editor of The New Orleans Protest- 
ant. In the fall of 1 847 he began to preach at Tallahassee, 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 121 

Florida, and having accepted a call, was ordained and installed 
as pastor there, April 30, 1848, and continued until released, 
March 23, 1850. He next became pastor of the Village 
Church at Charlotte Court House, Va., where he was installed 
August 31, 1850, and was released August 24, 1855. For 
nearly a year following he served the church as an agent of 
The Presbyterian Board of Publication in Kentucky and 
Tennessee; then accepted a call to become pastor of the 
Walnut St. church in Louisville, Ky., over which he was 
installed May 4, 1856, and where he labored zealously and 
successfully until released September 5, 1861. 

The civil war having broken out, Dr. Rice zealously 
espoused the Southern side and retired to the Gulf States, 
where he preached successively at Lake Providence, La., and 
at Brandon and Vicksburg, Miss. Next he was pastor of the 
Third Church at Mobile, Ala., from May 5, 1867, to Iijovember 
18, 1868. He then supplied the church at Franklin, Tenn., 
from 1869 to 1874 and the church at Mason, Tenn., from 1874 
to 1876, after which he labored as an Evangelist in Memphis 
Presbytery, preaching to the poor and the destitute in the 
neglected portions of its territory, and receiving almost no 
pecuniary return. 

On Sabbath, September i, 1878, Dr. Rice preached at 
Colliersville, Tenn., returned home on Monday, sickened on 
Tuesday and died at Mason, Tenn., of yellow fever on Satur- 
day, September 7, 1878, in the sixty-first year of his age. On 
the same evening he was buried in a grave hastily dug under 
a tree in his own garden, his father-in-law, the Rev. William 
Neil, performing a short service at the grave by moonlight. 

Dr. Rice married at Tallahassee, Florida, October 24, 1849, 
Lizzie Bogart Neil, daughter of the Rev. William Neil, and 
granddaughter of Mr. Peter Bogart, of Princeton, N. J. This 
lady heroically watched over his dying hours, when friends 
and neighbors fled from the terrible disease of which he died. 
She, with two sons and four daughters, survived him. 

Dr. Rice received from Centre College, Ky., in i860 the 
degree of D.D. He was a truly good man. His sermons 
were often of a very high order. His knowledge was wide 



122 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

and varied. But he especially loved to preach the gospel to 
the ignorant and the destitute. After the division of the 
Presbyterian church in 1861, he adhered to the Southern 
General Assembly. He was surpassed by few in his knowl- 
edge of ecclesiastical and parliamentary law. Being a member 
of the General Assembly that met in Knoxville, Tenn. , in 
May, 1878, a few months before his death, he was made chair- 
man of its Judicial Committee, the duties of which position he 
discharged with consummate ability. 



ROBERT THEODORE RICHEY, M.D. 

Robert Theodore Richey was born at Asbury, Warren 
Co., N. J., Dec. 15, 1816. He was a son of William and Mary 
(Yadley) Richey. He was prepared for college under the 
tuition of Mr. Amzi Beach at Belvidere, Warren Co., N. J. 

Mr, Richey entered Princeton College in 1836, joining the 
Junior Class and the Cliosophic Society. He was of full 
average size, of agreeable countenance and manner, gentle, 
affectionate, affable and modest in his bearing, and regular in 
his attendance upon all college duties. . 

On leaving college, he at once betook himself to the study 
of medicine, entering the University of Pennsylvania at Phila- 
delphia and receiving from it, in due course, his degree of 
M. D., in 1841. 

It is sad that the story of so gentle and so pleasing a life 
must be so short. But only a few months had elapsed after 
the receipt of his medical degree, when he was prostrated by 
a bilious fever and died Sept. 14, 1841. 

His preference was for the Presbyterian Church, which he and 
his parents attended, but he never becanie a church member. 

He never was married. 

His remains were buried in the church-yard of the old Pres- 
byterian Church of Mansfield in Warren Co., N. J. 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGE. 123 



CHARIvES DANIEIv RIDGWAY, A.M. 

Charles Daniel Ridgway was born at Paterson, N. J., 
March 4, 1820, and was the son of parents who came in early- 
life from Lancashire, England, viz. : — Daniel and Ann (Beau- 
mont) Ridgway. His preparation for college was acquired 
under the Rev. Joseph McKee at Paterson, N. J. 

He entered Princeton College in 1835, joining the Sopho- 
more Class and the Cliosophic Society. He was under the 
medium size, but strong and healthy. In manner he was 
modest, gentle and agreeable. He had an affectionate and 
friendly disposition, was perfectly orderly and very attentive 
to all college duties, and withal a good student, graduating 
with a highly respectable grade. 

He applied himself at once, on leaving college, to^he study 
of law in the office of the late Judge James Spear (class of 
1827), and was admitted to the bar in 1841. He practiced 
law in Paterson two or three years, and then, on account of 
failing health accepted the office of Surrogate of Passaic 
County, N. J. Afterwards, hoping that a change would prove 
beneficial to his health, he removed to Michigan, and re- 
mained there four years. Then returning to Paterson, he was 
offered the position of Secretary in the New Jersey Locomo- 
tive and Machine Works, which he filled until his death. 
His health during all the later years of his life was extremely 
delicate, and at last, under a violent attack of dysentery, he 
sank and died at Paterson, N. J., Aug. 10, 1854. 

Mr. Ridgway married, January i, 1843, Ann Blundell, 
daughter of John Blundell, of Paterson. She was generally 
regarded as the most beautiful girl in the county. She still 
lives at Winona, Minnesota. They had three children, viz. : 
I. Sarah, married to William G. McCutcheon, and living at 

Winona, Minn. 2. Emma, living unmarried in the same 

place, and 3. Sophia, married to William A. Patterson, 

and living in Chicago, 111. 

E. Boudinot Colt, Esq., of Paterson, (Class of 1843), who 
was a life-long and intimate friend of Mr. Ridgway, writes of 



124 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

him : " His epitaph gives in few words the very best descrip- 
tion of him. I never knew a more lovable man. His literary at- 
tainments were of a high order and made him a most charm- 
ing companion. His moral and religious character were 
without blemish." He and his family attended the Presby- 
terian church, where he sat under the preaching of his old 
friend and classmate, the Rev. William H. Hornblower, D.D. 
We here append the epitaph above referred to, not only 
because it so well describes our classmate, but also because it 
was composed by another valued classmate, Dr. W. H. 
Hornblower : 

To the Memory of 

CHARLES D. RIDGW AY. 

Born March 4, 1820 

Died 

August 10, 1854. 

The New Jersey Locomotive and 

Machine Company 

of which he was Secretary 

have erected this monument 

in grateful testimony of his integrity 

purity and manly honor 

which commanded the esteem of all 

and of his kind and affectionate 

disposition which endeared 

him to his friends. 



WILLIAM HENRY LUTTRELL ROGERS. 

William Henry Luttrell Rogers, son of Capt. William 
L. and Ann Ballantine (Murphy) Rogers, was born at Ayr- 
field, Westmoreland County, Va., April 17, 1820, and was 
prepared for college at the Princeton (N. J.) Academy under 
the Rev. Charles C. Sears. 

He entered college at the beginning of the Freshman year 
in 1834, being one of the original twelve who composed that 
class in its first session. He was also a Clio. He was of 



' ' PRINCKTON COLLEGE. 125 

medium size, strong and athletic, having red hair, and was 
full of vivacity and fun, the life of any circle of which he 
formed a part. He was not only very entertaining, but ex- 
tremely good-natured and sociable and a general favorite. 
He was not an earnest student in most branches of the col- 
lege curriculum, but was particularly fond of Natural Philos- 
ophy. He wrote out Prof Joseph Henry's lectures with 
great care, illustrating them with drawings of the apparatus 
used, many of which drawings. Prof Henry stated years after- 
wards, had been copied into important scientific journals in 
Europe as well as in this country. 

Immediately after his graduation, he engaged, as a prelimi- 
nary to choosing a profession, in teaching a school about a 
dozen miles from Tallahassee, in Florida, His experiences 
in this work, as detailed in letters, full of his characteristic 
humor, to the writer of this sketch, and still prese|j/ed, were 
unique and rough, but did not continue long. The neighbor- 
hood in which he was teaching was low, damp and full of 
malaria. He was seized with a bilious fever, after only a few 
months' residence there, of which he died September 28, 1839. 

At the time of his death he was about to assume the edit- 
orship of a newspaper in Tallahassee, for which he had occa- 
sionally written articles, the previous editor having retired, 
but died before he had entered upon those new duties. 

Mr. Rogers was the first member of the Class of 1838 to 
die after graduation. He was never married. His moral 
character was pure, upright and free from all reproach ; but 
he was not a member of any church. He was a younger 
brother of John M. Rogers (Class of 1837). 



EDWARD STEPHEN ROWAN. 

Edward Stephen Rowan, was son of the Rev. Stephen N. 
Rowan, D. D., and Mrs, Margaret (Beekman) Rowan ; was 
born in New York City, September 15, 1815; and was pre- 
pared for college in the Episcopal School, corner of Canal 
and Varick Streets in that city, under Mr. James Rutherford. 



126 BIOGRAPHY OF 'THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Mr. Rowan entered the Junior Class in 1836, but never 
became a member of either of the two Literary Societies. He 
was rather under the average in size and over it in age, and 
the younger students regarded him as grave, somewhat de- 
mure and old in his appearance, but the few who knew him 
intimately asserted that beneath his apparent gravity there was 
a decided streak of mischief, and even of lawlessness in his 
composition. He did not study hard, or if he did, was an un- 
successful student, for on his graduation he came out with the 
unenviable distinction of having received the lowest grade of 
his class. 

After graduating, Mr. Rowan studied law nearly three years, 
and then theology about two years, but so far as we have 
learned was never licensed either to practice law or to preach. 
From about 1845 to 1850 he was employed as a travelling 
temperance lecturer. About 1850 he bought 160 acres of 
land in Wisconsin and began farming, hoping thus to get rid 
of the bronchitis under attacks of which he had been suffering. 
Having farmed three years, he returned to New York and 
became a clerk in the New York City Post Office, which 
position he retained about twelve years. He then went into 
the book business, in which he is still engaged. 

Mr. Rowan was married at Lisbon, St. Lawrence County, 
N. Y., in October, 1843, to Elizabeth, daughter of John For- 
syth of that place. She is now deceased. He has had eight 
children, of whom five are living, viz.: i. Marion E. Rowan, 

single and a teacher. 2. Matilda C, married to Christopher 

Moller and lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. 3. Helen C. Rowan, 

single and a teacher. 4. Edward S. Rowan, Jr., is married 

and lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. -5. Harriet Frances, married 

to Charles E. Richardson and lives with her father. 

To the great gratification of all his classmates, Mr. Rowan 
was present at their class-meeting on June 20, 1888, and 
although in his 73d year looked quite well and strong for a 
man of his years. He appeared to enjoy our re-union as 
much as his younger classmates. His address is No. 272 
Ainslie Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 



PRINCETON COI.LEGE. 127 



REV. ROBERT WOOD SAWYER, A.M. 

Of Robert Wood Sawyer's early life but little is known. 
He was born near Goshen, Orange Co., N, Y., about 1817, 
but the precise date of his birth and the names of his parents 
it has not been possible to obtain, nor to learn where he re- 
ceived his early education. 

He joined the Sophomore class in Princeton College in 
1835, and became a member of the Cliosophic Society. He 
was above the average size and age of his classmates, staid 
and dignified in appearance, but affable and amiable and with 
a pleased and happy smile almost always on his face. He 
was a professing Christian, and his demeanor was always 
consistent, yet never austere but very winning. He was 
fairly studious and was graduated with an average giade. 

From an early age Mr. Sawyer had devoted his life not 
only to the sacred ministry, but also to the Foreign Mission- 
ary work. On leaving college he passed at once into Prince- 
ton Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 
1 84 1. He had already been accepted and appointed by the 
Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions to go as a missionary 
to Western Africa, and was ordained as an Evangelist by the 
Presbytery of Hudson at Goshen, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1841. 

Mr. Sawyer married, in September, 184 1, Catherine Ann 
Hammond, daughter of Henry Hammond, of Goshen. They 
had no children. After Mr. Sawyer's death she returned to 
this country, married Rev. J. M. Connelly, of Texas, and died 
July 23, 1870, in that State. 

Mr. Sawyer and his wife embarked at New York on board 
the ship "Saluda," Oct. 6, 1841. After touching at Norfolk, 
Va., they arrived in sight of Monrovia, Liberia, on Dec. 10, 
1 84 1, fifty-four days after leaving Norfolk, and the very day 
on which the ship's supply of water failed. The Kroomen 
very soon visited the ship three or four miles from shore, 
and supplied it with good spring water, 

Mr. Sawyer and his wife were soon established in charge 
of the mission at Settra Kroo. Fully aware of the great risk 



128 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

to which they were exposed from the deadly fever of that 
coast, but in a spirit of cheerful dependence on the good 
providence and grace of God, they devoted their lives to the 
service of the Kroo people. They settled in the very same 
native town to which two former graduates of Princeton Col- 
lege had gone and near which they both laid down their lives 
in the same glorious service. They were, the Rev. Oren K. 
Canfield, of the class of 1835, who died May 7, 1842, and 
Jonathan Pennington Alward, class of 1836, who died April 
22, 1 841. It will be seen that Mr. Canfield died about five 
months after the arrival of Mr. Sawyer. 

Undaunted by the fate of his predecessors, Mr. Sawyer 
addressed himself with zeal and energy to his appointed 
work, learning the language of the Kroo people, building a 
mission-house, inclosing and cultivating a garden, opening on 
his own premises a school in which were taught 30 boys and 
another in which 8 or 10 girls were pupils, and preaching the 
gospel, with the help of an interpreter, wherever he found 
opportunity. 

But his work was soon finished and he was called to his 
reward. He had been ill from the loth to the 20th of No- 
vember, but was so far recovered as to preach on Nov. 26th. 
A few days afterwards he was attacked by a severe chill, fol- 
lowed by a high fever, which yielded to no remedies, and 
terminated in his death. He died at Settra Kroo, Western 
Africa, Dec. i, 1843, after living there not quite two years, 
and when his usefulness and his influence over the heathen 
around him seemed to be rapidly increasing. 



REV. WILLIAM EDWARD SCHENCK, A.M., D.D. 

[This sketch was written by Major H. W. B. Woodhull, 
M.D., who alone is responsible for everything connected with 
its authorship.] 

William Edward Schenck first became known to the 
writer fifty-five years ago, as a member of our Freshman Class 
in 1834. His parents were John Conover Schenck and Anne 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 129 

Brooks (Hutchinson) Schenck, and he was born March 29, 
18 19. His ancestors came from Holland, and about the year 
1650 settled on the western end of Long Island, whence his 
great-great-grandfather, Garret Schenck, moved in 1696 to 
Pleasant Valley, near Holmdel, Monmouth County, N. J,; and 
'" '^7?i7'> iri connection with his brother-in-law John Koven- 
hoven (now Conover), purchased of William Penn 6,500 acres 
on the southeast side of Stony Brook, just opposite Princeton, 
and still called, from its former proprietor, Penn's Neck. The 
family have resided in Princeton and its vicinity ever since. 

The subject of this sketch was prepared for college, first at 
the Princeton Academy, under the Rev. Robert Baird, D.D., 
and later under Prof Robert B. Patton, in the Edgehill Sem- 
inary for Boys, at Princeton. He entered College in 1834, 
being one of the original twelve who joined the Freshman 
Class at its very beginning. He also joined the Cftosophic 
Society. His habits were systematic, exemplary and studious. 
He was quietly industrious and resolute. In form he was tall 
and slender, his height reaching to six feet one and a-half 
inches. In scholarship his final standing was distinguished, 
being the sixth in the class. He received a Commencement 
speech — the next one after the Salutatories. 

In those days, six weeks were given to the Seniors, before 
Commencement, for preparing and committing their speeches. 
But on the very first morning of freedom from College duties, 
he took his seat in Lawyer Green's office and began on 
Blackstone's Commentaries. On his way thither, Professor 
Joseph Henry met him on the street and in a most friendly 
way said, " Well, what are you going at next ? What book 
have you there ? " Upon being told, he lifted his hands and 
exclaimed, " What ! No rest? This is industry, indeed ! If 
you keep on at that rate, you will make your mark in the 
world." This pleasant speech of the great man was very 
cheering to one who at that time was extremely diffident of 
his own abilities and no way sanguine of success in life. 

Within the last two years, Ex-President McCosh remarked 
to him, upon hearing that he had walked 25,000 miles in 
attending recitations, etc., while getting his education, from 
9 



'130 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

the time of beginning his Latin Grammar until he graduated 
from the Theological Seminary : " Well, that agrees precisely 
with what I have always heard of you, that you were a man 
of untiring industry and indomitable perseverance." 

As we have said, on leaving College, he at once entered the 
law office of James S. Green, Esq., in Princeton, and devoted 
himself to the study of law. But having in the course of the 
following year made a public profession of religion, his tastes 
and wishes underwent a change ; and, after studying law one 
year, he, in 1839, entered Princeton Theological Seminary, 
whence he was graduated after a full three years' course, in 
1842. He spent the following summer in missionary work in 
the coal regions of Schuylkill and Lehigh Counties, Pennsyl- 
vania. About November i, 1842, he began to preach for the 
Presbyterian Church at Manchester, Monmouth (now Ocean) 
County, N. J. (in "The Pines"); and having accepted a call 
thereto, was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, February 28, 1843. He continued to be pastor at 
Manchester until 1845, when ^^ took charge of the Hammond 
Street Church, a new enterprise in New York City, where he 
was pastor until 1848. In the spring of that year he received 
and accepted a call to become pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Princeton, N. J., and was installed as pastor. May 
7, 1848. This was the church in which he had been baptized 
in infancy; first received into church membership; of which 
his uncle had been pastor until his death many years before; 
and in which his father had been a ruling elder. 

In regard to his call to this church, he always regarded it 
as a marked and delightful incident, that all four of his Semi- 
nary instructors- — Dr. Archibald Alexander, Dr. Samuel Mil- 
ler, Dr. J. Addison Alexander and Dr. Charles Plodge, as well 
as all the College Professors who were either pew-holders or 
members of that church — cordially and earnestly united in 
the call to him to become its pastor; and several of them 
wrote to him urging his acceptance. Among these, of the 
College Faculty, were President Carnahan, Prof John Torrey 
and Prof. Stephen Alexander. The last was one of his ruling 
elders during his pastorate. While Mr. Schenck was pastor 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 131 

at Princeton, both Dr. Samuel Miller and Dr. Archibald Alex- 
ander died, and he visited them when they were upon their 
deathbeds. Dr. James W. Alexander, who wrote and pub- 
lished his father's life, asked Mr. Schenck to write out a full 
account of his last interview with his father, and inserted it in 
his volume. The same account was inserted by the Rev. 
William B. Sprague, D.D., in his sketch of Dr. Archibald 
Alexander, in his great work, "The Annals of the American 
Pulpit." Dr. Sprague once said to Dr. Schenck, that " he 
would depend on that one article which the latter had 
written, for posthumous fame, rather than on the many volumes 
produced by some widely-known authors." We have learned 
that his labors as pastor at Princeton were largely blest. At 
one season there was a revival in which about ninety were 
converted and gathered in : arnong them many young men 
and lads, of whom one is now a well-known theolcdgical pro- 
fessor, and several are useful ministers of the Gospel. 

In 1852 Mr. Schenck was induced, by a wide prospect of use- 
fulness earnestly pressed upon him, to accept an invitation from 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia to fill the position of Superin- 
tendent of Church Extension within its bounds. His sermon 
entitled "Church Extension in Cities,'' was prepared, preached 
and published by request of the Presbytery, in connection with 
this work, and the writer of this, who has had the privilege of 
reading it, is not surprised to learn that it made a wide and 
deep impression, and produced important results in extending 
and establishing the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. 

But in 1854, Mr. Schenck was elected Secretary of the 
Presbyterian Board of Publication of the General Assembly, 
located in Philadelphia. He was also Editor of that Board 
from 1862 to 1870. Here he found his great life-work, and 
this office he filled for over thirty-two years to the entire 
satisfaction of the whole Presbyterian Church, until serious 
and long-continued illness led him to resign in 1886. Since 
then he has been quietly residing in Philadelphia. While 
Secretary he helped to send out from that Board over 30,000,- 
.000 volumes of choice religious reading, and over 300.000,000 
pages of religious tracts and Sunday school papers all over 



132 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

our land. When his resignation as Secretary was reported to 
the General Assembly, which met that year in Minneapolis, 
Minn., that body adopted a most flattering resolution of ap- 
proval of his work, regret at his resignation, and sympathy 
and earnest prayer for his restoration to health. This reso- 
lution was unanimously adopted by a rising vote, a rare and 
distinguished compliment. 

Still another rare compliment was paid him while he was 
yet a pastor in Princeton. Having visited some relatives in 
Lancaster, Pa., he was invited to preach. Not long after, the 
First Presbyterian Church of that city sent him a unanimous 
call to become its pastor, and James- Buchanan, afterwards 
President of the United States and then a pew-holder in that 
church, was so anxious for his acceptance, that he offered to 
the church a gift of a handsome parsonage, if it would secure 
his acceptance. Some years later, about 1853, he received a 
call to the First Presbyterian Church (Old School) in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., on which occasion Dr. J. Addison Alexander, his 
regular hearer for several years, when consulted by the 
Brooklyn elders, told them that Mr. Schenck was " the best 
sermonizer who had left Princeton Seminary for many years." 
On behalf of our classmate, I hold these testimonies as fully 
equal to a score of others I might mention, because of the 
high source from which they came. 

In 1880, Dr. Schenck traveled extensively in Europe, visit- 
ing France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, 
Belgium, England, Ireland and Scotland, and gathering much 
valuable information. In 1885-87 he traversed California, 
Oregon, Washington Territory, and visited Alaska. 

Dr. Schenck has been twice married: ist at Manchester, 
N. J., April 18, 1843, to Jane Whittemore Torrey, eldest 
daughter of William Torrey, Esq., of New York City, and 
niece of Professor John Torrey, LL.D., of Princeton College. 

She died in Philadelphia March 9, 1856 2d. At Elizabeth, 

N. J., April 3, 1863, to Mary Blake Kittle, daughter of the Rev. 
Andrew N. Kittle, of the Reformed Dutch Church. She is still 
living. He has had eight children, viz. : i. Adeline Torrey, 
married to Benjamin Strong and living at Montclair, Essex 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 133 

County, N. J. 2d. Anna Brooks, married to Matthew Gris- 

wold and living at Erie, Pa. 3d. William Edward Schenck, 

Jr., who died in 1865 in the nineteenth year of his age. 4th. 

Jane Torrey, married to Rev. William B. Waller, A.M. (Class 
, of 1869), and residing at New Rochelle, N. Y. 5th. Archi- 
bald Alexander Schenck (Class of 1869), married Mary M. 
Jackson and is a civil engineer, residing at Corvallis, Oregon. 

■ 6th, Ella Whittemore, married to George M. Grant and 

living at Summit, Union County, N. J. 7. Samuel Torrey 

Schenck, married Sarah Evans now deceased, and resides in 

Philadelphia, and 8th. Rev. Harris Rogers Schenck, (Class 

of 1876), married, i. Minnie Hollister 2. Mary Araminta 

Smith, and is pastor of the Presbyterian church at Mt. Kisco, 
N. Y. He has eighteen grandchildren. 

The following near relatives of Dr. Schenck appear on the 
roll of the Alumni of Princeton College ; i. The Rev. Wil- 
liam Conover Schenck, his uncle (Class of 1805). 2. George 

Washington Schenck, his brother, (183 1). 3. John Craig 

Schenck, his half-brother, (1853). 4. Archibald Alexander 

Schenck, his son, (1869). 5. Rev. Harris Rogers Schenck, 

his son, (1876). Oliver Smith Strong, his grandson (1886), 

Fellow in Biology two years. 

_ Dr. Schenck received the honorary degree of D.D. from 
Jefferson College, Pa., in 1859. He was elected a Director of 
Princeton Theological Seminary in 1865, and has been Secre- 
tary of that Board of Directors since 1870. He has also been 
Secretary of The Alumni Association of Princeton Seminary 
since its organization in 1872. He was a member of The Board 
of Trustees of The General Assembly of The Presbyterian 
Church from 1865 to 1887, when he resigned, and was Vice- 
President of that Board for many years. He has been a Vice- 
President of The American Colonization Society since 1877 ; 
also a Vice-President of The Pennsylvania (Auxiliary) Coloni- 
zation Society since 1865. He was Permanent Clerk of The 
General Assembly (Old School) from 1862 to 1870; and was 
also, from 1866 to 1869, a member of that Assembly's half of 
The Joint Reunion Committee appointed to prepare the way 
for the Reunion of the Old School and the New School parts 
of The Presbyterian Church. 



134 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1 838. 

Dr. Schenck has been the author of many volumes and 
other publications, the principal of which are: i, "Children 
in Heaven ; or, The Infant Dead Redeemed by the Blood of 
Jesus." An 8vo volume. Presbyterian Board of Publication. 

2. " Nearing Home. Comforts and Counsels for The 

Aged." An 8vo. volume. Same Publishers. — 3. " Aunt 

Fanny's Home." A i6mo. volume. Same Publishers. —4. 

" A Historical Account of The First Presbyterian Church of 

Princeton, N. J." An 8vo. pamphlet of 78 pages. 5. " The 

Parting Commendation." A Farewell Sermon preached in 

The First Presbyterian Church of Princeton, N. J. 6. " God 

our Guide." A Sermon first published in "The Princeton 
Pulpit," an 8vo. volume edited by Prof John T. Duffield, D.D., 
and afterwards republished both in English and German as a 

i2mo. tract by The Presbyterian Board of Publication. 7. 

A Sermon Commemorative of the Rev. Benjamin H. Rice, 
D.D., entitled, " The Faith of Christ's Ministers, etc.," preached 
in Princeton First Church, July 20, 1856, and afterwards pub- 
lished by request of its session. 8. " A Memorial Sermon 

on The Life and Labors of the Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, D.D., 
late Pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 
Washington, D. C," preached December 13, 1868, in that 

church, and published by request of its session. 9. " A 

Discourse on Church Extension in Cities," preached April 6, 
1853, by appointment of The Presbytery of Philadelphia, and 

published by its request. 10 "The Fountain For Sin." 

In German. A Sermon preached in English before the Synod 
of Wisconsin in October, 1869; translated into German and 
published in that language as a i2mo. tract by the Presby- 
terian Board of Publication at the request of ministers of that 
Synod. II. "The General Catalogue of Princeton Theo- 
logical Seminary, 1881." Octavo, 330 pages.- 12. " Necro- 

logical Reports of The Alumni Association of Princeton 
Theological Seminary for the Years 1874 to 1884 inclusive. 
13. "Annual Reports of The Presbyterian Board of Pub- 
lication for 31 years, 1855 to 1886 inclusive. 14. "The 

Biography of the Princeton College Class of 1838," containing 
this sketch. He has been also the author of many other 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. :;; 13a 

publications too numerous to mention. For many years, at 
different periods of his life, he has been a frequent (but gener- 
ally an anonymous) contributor to The Newark Daily Adverti- 
ser, The Princeton Press, The New York Observer, The Presby- 
terian, and various other newspapers, secular and religious. 

Dr. Schenck was present at our memorable class meeting 
at Princeton on June 20, 1888, Indeed, he was the first one 
to propose that meeting to his classmates, and actively aided 
in securing their attendance, and in making it as delightful a 
gathering as it was. It unanimously elected him to be Class 
President, and requested him to undertake the preparation of 
this Biography of the Class. 

AMOS SCUDDER, ESQ. 

Amos Scudder was the only son of Amos and of Abigail 
(Phillips) Scudder, and was born November 13, 181^, in Law- 
rence Township (now) Mercer County, N. J. His father died 
before he was born. He was prepared for college at LawT 
renceville High School, under the Rev. Isaac V. Brown, D.D., 
and Alex. H. Phillips, A.M. 

Mr. Scudder entered College in 1835, becoming a member 
of the Sophomore Class and of the Whig Society. He was 
tall and rather slender, of sedate and somewhat grave man- 
ner, orderly and regular, but moderate in his devotion to 
study, and at graduation his grade was considerably below 
the average. 

After graduating he applied himself to the study of Law, 
in the office of the highly distinguished Chancellor Henry 
W. Green, of Trenton, N. J. Immediately on obtaining li- 
cense he established himself in the practice of his profession 
at Louisville, Ky., in 1842. But his career was a short one. 
After practicing only three years, he was seized with a violent 
fever, then quite prevalent, and died at Louisville, Ky., Octo- 
ber 31, 1845, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. By his 
mild and amiable deportment he had secured the kindest 
feelings of his professional brethren. Mr. Scudder never 
married. 



136 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 



LEONARD WILLIAM SEAMAN. 

Leonard William Seaman was born in New York City, 
May 14, 1820. His parents were William and Hannah 
(Weed) Seaman. During his college course and afterwards 
his family resided at Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y. He was 
prepared for College at Union Hall Academy, in Jamaica, 
under Henry Onderdonk, Jr. 

He entered Princeton College in 1835, joining the Sopho- 
more Class and the Clio Society. He was under the me- 
dium size, of graceful, easy carriage, a handsome countenance 
and dark eyes, a bright vivacious manner, gentle and amiable 
disposition and beloved by all who came in contact with him. 

On leaving college he entered the law office of Foote & 
Davies, of New York City, with whom he had studied about 
three years, and was about ready to enter upon the practice 
of his profession when he was seized with typhoid fever, of 
which he died, October 3!, 1841, at the house of his widowed 
mother, in Jamaica. His death caused deep sorrow through 
that whole community, where his memory is still cherished 
by all with whom he was associated. 

He was never married. 

The following tribute is from the pen of his classmate, Dr. 
H. W. B. Woodhull: 

" I never quite understood the outcome of the bright, happy, joyous 
temperament that was so marked a characteristic of my friend and 
room-mate until a severe attack of malarial fever made it necessary that 
I should accompany him to his Long Island home. There I found a 
greeting from a most lovely and charming family group of grandmother, 
mother and five sisters, he being the only son of his widowed mother 
and the petted darling of them all. Beauty, grace, culture and refine- 
ment, with exquisite taste and elegance in the appointments of house, 
grounds, etc., books, music, pictures, flowers and the angelic spirit of 
Heaven-born love dominated all. The mystery was solved. The rare 
spell and beauty of this home-life had become a part of his own being, 
and no passing shadow could pale its brightness. More than half a 
century has passed since then, and my mission has brought me to hun- 
dreds of homes, but that one, in its rare perfection, surpassed them all, 
and will live in memory, a joy forever." 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 137 



SAMUEL SHERRERD, A.M., ESQ. 

Samuel Sherrerd, son of John Maxwell Sherrerd, Esq. 
(Class of 1812), a prominent lawyer of Belvidere, N. J., and 
Sarah (Browne) Sherrerd, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 
25, 18 19. His early studies were gone through at Belvidere, 
N. J.; then he was for a while a student in Lafayette College 
at Easton, Pa.; whence he went to Princeton College in 1836, 
joining either the Sophomore advanced, or the Junior Class, 
and the Cliosophic Society. 

Mr. Sherrerd was fully up to the average in height ; was 
broad-shouldered and strongly built, and had a frame better 
covered with adipose matter than had any other man in the 
class. Hence he was often called " Our Fat Boy." He was 
extremely pleasant and sociable ; at the same tim% he was 
serious, thoughtful and studious. At the end of his course he 
came out with the seventeenth grade of his class. 

Immediately on his graduation he began to study law, first 
in the office of his father, afterwards with Judge Henry D. 
Maxwell at Easton, Pa. After receiving license, he practiced 
for some years at Easton ; afterwards for a short time in Mo- 
bile, Ala. Subsequently he was engaged in the iron business, 
first in Rockbridge County, Va., and later at Scranton, Pa., 
at which last-named place he also practiced law. Finally he 
returned to Belvidere, his early home, and established him- 
self in the practice of his profession, remaining there until his 
death, which occurred from inflammation of the stomach, 
June 21, 1884. Forming a part of his epitaph at Belvidere 
are the words : " He died trusting in the Saviour, whose 
grace he found to be sufficient for him." 

Mr. Sherrerd was President Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas of Warren County, N. J., from 1874 to 1877; was for 
some time Secretary and Treasurer of the Dickson Manufac- 
turing Company of Scranton, Pa. ; was for some years Post- 
master at Belvidere, N. J., and for twenty-seven years a 
ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was eminently 
and in every relation in life a kind, good and inflexibly up- 



138r BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

right man. One who knew him long and well writes of him : 
"He was endued with a peculiarly serene Christian confi- 
dence, which intoned his whole life, making him a charming 
companion and a good citizen. He excelled in mineralogical 
knowledge, and would have been conspicuous in that science 
had not circumstances compelled him to employ himself 
otherwise." 

His brother-in-law, Morris R. Hamilton, Esq. (Class of 
1839), writes of him: "He was one of the best men I ever 
knew; a really cheerful Christian, without any asceticism in 
his composition. It was delightful to be with him, even in 
his last moments, when he was perfectly conscious, resigned 
and peaceful." I 

Mr. Sherrerd married, May 6, 1847, Frances Maria Hamil- 
ton, only daughter of Gen. Samuel R. Hamilton, of Trenton,; 
N.J. She is still living at Scranton, Pa. They had three 
sons, viz.: i. Alexander Hamilton Sherrerd, who married, 
first, Anna L. Mattis, of Scranton, Pa.; second, Emma E. 
Wade, of Belvidere, N. J., and is now a widower living at 
Scranton, Pa. 2. John Maxwell Sherrerd, married to Car- 
rie F. Hawley, of Troy, N. Y., and living in that gity. 3. 

Morris Robeson Sherrerd, unmarried, and living at Scran- 
ton, Pa. 

As has been already stated, Mr. Sherrerd's father was a 
graduate of Princeton College of the Class of 18 12. His 
younger brother, John B. Sherrerd, M.D., was a graduate of 
the Class of 1839. ' > 

JOHN IRWIN SMITH, M.D. 

John Irwin Smith was a son of Zebina Smith, M.D., and 
Sarah (Towson) Smith, and was born at Williamsport, Wash- 
ington Co., Md., Jan. 16, 1821. He attended the Preparatory 
Department of Mt. Hope College (Frederick Hall, A.M., 
President) between the years 1833 and 1835. In the latter 
year he entered Princeton College, joining the Sophomore 
Class and the Whig Society. 

Mr. Smith was small in stature — one of the smallest of the 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 139 

Glass—and in appearance frail and delicate. His hair was of 
a very light color, his complexion pale, and his vision imper- 
fect, so that he used glasses most of the time. But his mind 
was unusually clear and bright, and his memory remarkably 
tenacious. He was also a diligent student, so that he grad- 
uated in the l8th year of his age with the 3d grade, only 
Daniel Johnson and L. J. Williams being in advance of him. 

Mr. Smith studied medicine in Baltimore under the guid- 
ance of Dr. Nathan R. Smith, and went with him two winters 
to Louisville, Ky. He probably received his degree of M.D^ 
from some institution in Louisville or that region. He com- 
menced the practice of medicine in Williamsport, his native 
town, and continued there four years with flattering success. 
At the end of that time he was obliged to relinquish his prac- 
tice oh account of a severe bronchial affection of his throat. 
He then removed to Baltimore, where he entered 'into the 
wholesale drug business, which he prosecuted with energy 
and success. 

In 1858 he was elected on the part of the city of Baltimore 
a Director of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which posi- 
tion he held for several years, and the duties of which he 
discharged with great ability and fidelity. 

In 1868 he removed, with his family, to Liberty, Bedford 
Co., Va., where he resumed the drug business, being at the 
same time President of The Liberty Savings Bank. In 1873 
he withdrew from the drug business and engaged in the man- 
ufacture of tobacco, in which he continued until his death. 
He died suddenly from heart disease at Liberty, Bedford Co., 
Va/, July 26, 1885, and was buried in the old family burying 
ground at Williamsport, Md. 

Dr. Smith was for many years a prominent and useful 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 

He married, Feb. 15, 1844, at Clifton, near Williamsport, 
Md., at the residence of her father, Martha Shearer Towson. 
She died in Baltimore, Jan. 29, 1865. They had eight chil- 
dren, five of whom survived their father, viz. : — i. Sarah 

Louisa Smith. 2. Oscar Boyd Smith, Tobacco Manufacturer. 

-3. Leila Cassin Smith. 4. Ida May Smith (all four yet 



140 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

living at Liberty, Va. 5. Martha Shearer, married toC. W. 

Mitchell and residing at Lynchburg, Va. 

Judge M. Davis, of Bedford Co., Va., who knew Dr. Smith 
long and intimately, writes of him : " Dr. Smith was a man of 
strong and positive convictions, great firmness, quick percep- 
tion, and sound and discriminating judgment, scrupulously 
honest and correct in all his dealings, and of great moral 
worth and integrity. These, added to his fine intellectual 
culture, his high sense of honor and true courage, formed his 
true character." 



WILLIAM ASA SMITH, A.M. 

William Asa Smith was born in the city of New York, 
August 28, 1820. His parents were Ira Smith, long time a 
well-known merchant in that city, and Sarah Wisner (Steele) 
Smith. His preparatory education was acquired at the Law- 
renceville (N.J.) High School under the Rev. Isaac V. Brown, 
D.D., and Alex. H. Phillips, A.M. He entered both the 
Sophomore Class in Princeton College and the Whig Society 
in 1835. 

Mr. Smith was about the average in size ; and was one of 
the brightest, pleasantest and most agreeable men in his class; 
always affable yet always dignified ; always gentle yet always 
energetic. He was one of the finest flute players whose sweet 
melodies were ever heard within the walls of Princeton College ; 
and one of the most skillful gymnasts whose feats had ever 
been witnessed in those days when no college gymnasium, as 
yet, existed in America. On this point our classmate, Edward 
S. Clarke, writes: "W. A. Smith was an earnest gymnast in 
a day when gymnastic exercises were a rare thing. Some of 
the feats exhibiting muscular power, that he performed on a 
pole hung across his room, were truly marvellous.'' But he 
was not an intense student, and his final grade was low. 

Smith was one of the leaders in the affair known as " T/ie 
Rape of The Cannon" and we insert here, from one of his 
letters, some interesting details of that enterprise. He says : 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 141 

" ' The Rape of The Cannon ' originated with three or four members 
of our class, and perhaps one or two of another class. We had got 
together about twelve, and then thought it best to make a college af- 
fair of it. It did net take long to get a majority of the boys to go in. 
We hired a man who furnished the truck or large wagon. The cannon 
was placed on the truck, as it could not be suspended below. It was 
about midnight when we arrived at the Campus, and it took Dr. Mac- 
lean, the Vice-President, to dress himself, just about the time it took 
the wagon to go from the gate to its destination. We were watching for 
him, and we unloaded that wagon in a hurry. On arriving he told us 
to 'take it back right away.' At the time he spoke the cannon was 
moving, urged by a rope, I had just time to grasp him and pull him 
out of danger, when the cannon struck the ground where he had stood. 
It was a close shave. He did not comprehend his danger, as he im- 
mediately repeated : ' Take it right up, and carry it away,' which order 
was not obeyed." 

On graduating, Mr. Smith began to study medicine, but at 
the end of five months relinquished that study and became a 
merchant, in partnership with his father in the dry goods 
jobbing business, in which he continued until 1861. 

Mr. Smith married at Newburgh, N. Y., June 8, 1840, 
Louisa M. Bellows, daughter of Charles H. Bellows of New- 
burgh, and sister of our classmate, Charles Theodore Bellows. 
She died in New York City, August 31, 1887. They had six 
children of whom four are living, viz. : i. Augusta, married 

Charles B. Dahlgren, and lives in Trenton, N. J. 2. William 

Steele Smith, married Louisa Ray, daughter of Judge Ray of 

Texas, and lives in Montana. 3. Sarah Wisner, unmarried, 

and lives in Trenton, N. J. 4. Harriet Louisa, married to 

Alfred S. Holton, M.D., and lives in Cincinnati. 

He has twelve grandchildren. 

A younger brother of Mr. Smith, Edward Barnet Smith, 
was a Princeton graduate of 1844. He was a lawyer and 
afterwards a banker; married in Michigan a Miss Clarke, and 
died in Brooklyn. 

Mr. Smith now resides with his eldest daughter, Mrs. 
Charles B. Dahlgren, at No. 201 Prospect St , Trenton, N. J., 
where he is enjoying a serene old age, beloved and esteemed 
by all with whom he comes in contact. He says : " When 
living in Brooklyn I was a member of the Rev. Dr. I S. 



142 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1838. 

Spencer's church (Presbyterian) there, and now attend the 
Presbyterian church here. I still play the flute and enjoy it 
very much. I gave it up for a time after the death of my wife, 
but have again lately taken it up." How dearly would we 
love once more to hear its well-remembered and melodious 
notes ! Let us hear the recollections of another classmate, 
Dr. H. W. B. Woodhull, of the music of that flute. He writes : 
" Will any one of us ever forget the discourse of sweet melo- 
dies that, all unexpected, would be wafted to our senses like 
the perfume-laden zephyrs of ' Araby the Blest ? ' Hark ! ! ! 
Smith and McKissack playing ' The Miller's Daughter' in the 
third entry of Old North College ! And all would be hushed 
to drink in what we now know to have been the finest flute 
performance we have listened to in all these fifty years. Smith, 
the discoverer and promulgator of the best Suture in Gun- 
shot Wounds of the Intestines known to Modern Surgery ! 
Smith, afterwards the honored merchant! Smith, now the 
retired and beloved merchant ! Smith, the genial, buoyant, 
and big-hearted ! What richer gift than a happy tempera- 
ment ? For — in hoc signo — the dew of his youth is still upon 
him." 

Mr. Smith was one of the fourteen survivors present at our 
notable class-meeting held on June 20, 1888, with face almost 
unchanged, and step almost as vigorous as ever, but wearing 
that " crown of glory" (Proverbs 16: 31) which so admirably 
becomes him. May long life and great happiness yet be his, 
say all his remaining classmates from the very bottom of their 
hearts, 

HENRY VAN ARSDAI^B, A.M., M.D. 

Henry Van ARSDALEwas born in Newark, N. J., September 
6, 1 8 19. His father was Elias Van Arsdale, Esq. (in the college 
catalogues spelled Van Artsdale), of the Class of 1791, and a 
distinguished member of the New Jersey bar, as well as Presi- 
dent of the State Bank of Newark. His mother was Mrs. 
Margaret (Johnston) Van Arsdale. It is not known where 
our classmate was prepared for college. ,; 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 143 

' He entered Princeton College in 1835, joining the Sopho- 
more Class and the Clio Society. He was of average size; 
had a remarkably fresh and fair complexion, and winning 
ways ; was gentle and modest in manner, with much positive- 
ness and decision of character ; was fairly studious, and at his 
graduation took rank in scholarship considerably above the 
average. 

Immediately after graduating he addressed himself to the 
study of medicine, entering the Medical Department of the 
University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and receiving 
therefrom his degree of M.D. in 1841. In company with his 
two college classmates and intimate friends, Lewis McKnight 
and C. C. Van Wyck, he then further pursued and finished his 
medical studies in Paris. Soon after he settled down to the 
practice of his profession in the city of New York, where he 
soon acquired not only a lucrative practice but a hi^ distinc- 
tion. We will let his younger son, W. W. Van Arsdale, M.D., 
himself at this time a distinguished physician and surgeon of 
New York City, describe his father's professional history. He 
writes : 

" My father was a practicing physician. He filled several honorable 
offices in his professional career. He was at one time President of The 
Pathological Society of New York ; one of the founders and original 
Fellows of The Academy of Medicine in New York; a member of the 
Medico-Surgical Society of that city, and a member of other medical 
societies. He held the position of Vaccine Physician at the New York 
Dispensary, and was one of the physicians of The De Milt Dispensary. 

" He published various monographs on medical subjects, and edited 
a book on The Microscope, being the American edition of Hassel's 
work. He was an authority on microscopical pathology and anatomy, 
and materially advanced these sciences by his work. He was in con- 
stant receipt of courtesies from the most prominent members of the pro- 
fession, both here and abroad, on this account. 

" Personally he was very much beloved by all who knew him, know- 
ing, as he did, how to combine gentleness of manner with the strictest 
honesty of character." 

About 1853 Dr. Van Arsdale retired to Morristown, N. J., 

■ and resided there, and practiced there also, until his death. 

He died at Morristown, January 25, 1864, of a cold in the 



144 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

bowels caught three days before, in the practice of his profes- 
sion. 

Dr. Van Arsdale married, at Morristown, N. J., December 
II, 1849, Hester Anne, daughter of Charles J. Wetmore of 
that town. She is still living in New York, with her younger 
son. He left two sons, viz. : i. Henry Van Arsdale, married, 

and doing business in New York City. William Waldo 

Van Arsdale, M.D., who was graduated at Leipsic, Germany, 
and is now an eminent practitioner of Surgery in New York 
City. 

Several members of Dr. Van Arsdale's family are enrolled 
among the graduates of Princeton College. Besides his 
father, Elias Van Arsdale * (Class of 1791), already mentioned, 
were his grandfather, Jacob Van Arsdale* (then spelled 
Vanartsdalen), Class of 1765 ; and his three uncles, Elias Van 
Arsdale, Jr. (18 19), Robert Van Arsdale (1826), and Jacob 
Van Arsdale (1835). 

CORNEI.IUS C.f VAN WYCK, A.M., M.D. 

Cornelius C. Van Wyck was born at Fishkill Landing 
(now called Fishkill-on-Hudson), where the family were pass- 
ing the summer. His parents were, Peter Schenck Van 
Wyck, of New York City, and Sarah Stewart (Wickham), a 
native of South Carolina. He was prepared for college at 
Fishkill, N. Y., by his father's sister, the wife of the Rev. J. 
H Berrien. 

Mr. Van Wyck entered the Junior Class at Princeton in 
1836, and became a Clio. He was of full average size, and 
most gentlemanly appearance and manners. A peculiar cast 
of one eye did not destroy the pleasant aspect of his counte- 
nance. His habits were social. He ranked considerably 
below the average of his class in scholarship. 

*See Notice of these in Dr. Samuel D. Alexander's " Princeton College During 
The Eighteenth Century," pages 102 and 256. 

f Dr. Van Wyck really had no middle name. When grown to manhood he him- 
self inserted the initial C. to distinguish him from other Van Wycl^s who had the 
same first name. 



PRINCETON COLIvEGE. 145 

He began the study of medicine immediately after his 
graduation, placing himself under the care of Dr. Mutter, at 
the same time he attended lectures in The Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, from 
which institution he received his degree of M.D. in 1841. 
He then practiced in Philadelphia, where he was very suc- 
cessful as a physician and highly esteemed as a man. In the 
fall of 1848 he removed to Tallahassee, Florida, where he 
practiced until about 1850, when he visited Cuba, afterwards 
also visiting Philadelphia. He finally determined to locate 
himself in Cardenas, Cuba, and removed thither about 1853. 
He was not allowed to practice there for some time, nor until 
he had passed a strict examination by the niedical authorities 
of Cuba. There the last fifteen years of his life were spent. 

Dr. Van Wyck died at Cardenas, Cuba, from an abscess of 
the liver, Oct. 14, 1868, and was interred in a privaite ceme- 
tery called " Eden Park," at Navajos, Cuba. His death was 
peaceful and happy. He was strongly attached to The Re- 
formed Dutch Church, in which he had been reared. He was 
well versed in the Bible, and during his last days quoted con- 
stantly from its sacred pages. 

Dr. Van Wyck married, in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 26, 
1846, Eliza Ann Forbes, daughter of William Henry Forbes, 
of Cardenas, Cuba. Both father and daughter were natives 
of Nassau, New Providence, Bahama Islands, but removed to 
Cardenas while she was a child about 6 years old. She was 
educated and married in Philadelphia, and some years later 
died in that city. Dr. Van Wyck left no children. 



BENJAMIN BOISSEAU VAUGHAN, A.M. 

Benjamin Boisseau Vaughan was born in Dinwiddle 
County, Va., September, 5, 1819, and his parents were Samuel 
Holt Vaughan and Thyrza (Boisseau) Vaughan. Being left 
an orphan when about five years of age, he was taken to the 
home of his maternal grandfather, Benjamin Boisseau, in the 
city of Petersburg, Va., where he was brought up. On his 
10 



146 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

mother's side he was a descendant of Huguenots who fled to 
this country after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. His 
preparation for college was at the best schools of that day in 
Petersburg, and he often spoke of his old teacher, Jonathan 
Smith, in terms of the greatest admiration and affection. 

Mr. Vaughan joined the Junior Class of Princeton College 
in 1836, and became a member of the Whig Society. He was 
rather under the average height and slender in form, having a 
brown complexion and dark eyes. In manner he was cheer- 
ful, yet staid ; modest, yet firm ; and social, yet dignified. He 
was one of the best students in the class and regular and un- 
failing in the performance of every duty. He graduated with 
the high rank of fifth in his class. 

After graduation he addressed himself to the study of law^ 
and took the law course at Harvard University, where he en- 
joyed the tuition, among others, of the distinguished Justice 
Story, by whom he was often commended. After his gradua- 
tion in law,,he settled in his native county and practiced that 
profession for a short time. Then he became interested in 
politics and was elected to represent Dinwiddie County in the 
Virginia Legislature. This, together with impaired health, 
led him to abandon his profession and devote his time and 
attention to his plantation. There, amid the ease and quiet of 
the old Virginia planter of ante-bellum days, he sought that 
rest and freedom from excitement which he hoped would 
restore him to health. In 1852 he removed to Petersburg in 
order to secure better educational facilities for his children. 
Here he became, by State appointment, Inspector of Tobacco. 
He was also prominent in municipal affairs, serving the city 
for many years in its Common Council. His activities during 
the civil war were confined to some little home guard duty, as 
he had no taste whatever for military affairs. 

Mr. Vaughan died at Petersburg, Va., October 18, 1881, 
aged 62 years. His remains rest in Blandford Cemetery. He 
was never a communicant in any church, but his preference 
and his intellectual beliefs drew him to the Presbyterian, of 
which his family, with one exception, were all members. He 
was recognized by all his fellow- citizens as a man of unusual 
intellectual ability and culture. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 147 

Mr. Vaughan was married, January 4, 1842, to Miss Sarah 
Ellen Vaughan, daughter of James Vaughan, of the Amelia 
County family of that name, and having no blood relationship 
to him. This lady still survives him. They had six chil- 
dren, of whom five attained majority, viz. : i. Lemuel Holt 

Vaughan, M.D., lives in Amelia County, Va. 2. Benjamin 

Boisseau Vaughan, Jr., a business man and President of the 
National Bank of Petersburg. 3. Sarah Eugenia, who mar- 
ried Captain Wm. H. Parham, and died September 19, 1875, 

leaving three children. 4. Ada Virginia, married Walter 

N. Jones, of Petersburg, Va., and 5. Lelia Jane, married 

J. Gray McCandlish, and lives at Warrenton, N. C. Our de- 
ceased classmate now has twenty-one grandchildren living. 

B, B. Vaughan, Esq., son of our classmate, writes: " It al- 
ways gave my father great pleasure to revert to his college 
days at ' old ' Princeton. His College and Society diplomas 
were framed to be kept as heir-looms, but they were lost dur- 
ing the war, when his furniture was burned in . the siege of 
Petersburg. Nothing in his latter years gave him more real 
pleasure than relating his college experiences and friendships 
to his children and grandchildren." 



HON. JAMES WAI^TKR WAI.L, A.M. 

James Walter Wall was born at Trenton, N. J., May 26, 
1820. He was the only son of Hon. Garret D. Wall, U. S. 
Senator from New Jersey, from 1835 to 1 841, and of Mary 
(Rhea) Wall. His preparation for college was acquired under 
Dr. Muhlenberg at Flushing, Long Island, 

Mr. Wall joined either the Sophomore Class half-advanced 
or the Junior Class, at Princeton College, in 1836, and became 
a Clio. He was of medium size ; lithe and agile in his gait 
and movements; with a pale and intellectual countenance; 
ardent, impulsive and sometimes rash ; a great reader and an 
eloquent speaker, but negligent of his studies. At graduation, 
his rank was very near the foot of his class. He was also, in 
his college days, an ardent politician on the Democratic side. 



148 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

(See a reminisGence of this in the sketch of his classmate, John 
M. Eager, in this work). 

On graduating, he addressed himself at once to the law, 
partly under his father; partly under his brother-in-law, Gov. 
Peter D. Vroom ; and partly under John M. Sherrerd, Esq., 
of Belvidere, N. J. He was licensed to practice in 1841, and 
to act as counsellor in 1844. He commenced his practice in 
Trenton, N. J., and continued there until 1848, when he re- 
moved to Burlington, N. J. In 1850 he was elected Mayor of 
Burlington, and heild that office several years. He was the 
Democratic candidate for Congress from the Second District 
in 1856 and 1858. In 1863 he was elected by the New Jersey 
Legislature to the U. S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by 
the death of the Hon. John R. Thompson, and occupied a seat 
there from January 14, 1863, to March 3, of the same year. 
While a member of the Senate he delivered several able 
speeches upon measures then presented to that body. During 
the civil war, a letter written by him, severely criticising the 
suppression of certain newspapers by Montgomery Blair, then 
Postmaster-General^ caused his arrest and confinement for a 
short time in Fort Lafayette, near New York City, by order 
of Secretary Seward. 

Col. Wall — we have been unable to learn how he acquired 
this title which he wofe for many years, and presume that it 
was a merely honorary colonelcy— removed from Burlington 
to Elizabeth, N. J., in 1868, and resided there until his death, 
which occurred, from peritonitis, June 9, 1872. His remains 
lie in St. Mary's P. E. Churchyard, at Burlington. 

He married, April 28, 1842, Susan T. Pratt, daughter of 
Edmond Pratt, of Philadelphia. This lady survived him, and 
still lives at Elizabeth, N. J. They had four children, all 
daughters, as follows : i. Mary Rhea, married Robert T. Hoy, 

and is deceased. 2. Annie Campbell Wall, and 3. Julia 

Pratt Wall, both unmarried and living with their mother at 

Elizabeth, N. J. 4. Amanda Pratt, married Kenderton S. 

Brewster and is deceased. 

Had Col. Wall strictly followed his profession, the gift of 
eloquence with which he was endowed, would doubtless have 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 149 

gained him eminence, but his great fondness for hterature 
caused him to devote a large part of his time and talents to 
literary pursuits. In 1854 he visited Europe and after his 
return published a volume entitled " Foreign Patchings, or, A 
Visit to The Old World's Pleasant Places." For years he was 
a regular contributor to The Knickerbocker Magazine. He 
was also an occasional contributor to Bentleys Magazine^, 
An article published in 1855 in The Edinburgh Review. 
entitled '* The Curiosities of The Roman Catacombs," was 
from his pen. Many addresses of his on public occasions 
were published, and he was a constant writer for the news- 
paper press. 



JOEL THOMAS WATKINS, ESQ. 

% 
Joel Thomas Watkins was born in Mecklenburg County, 
Va., January 20, 18 19, and was the son of Joel and Judith 
(Daniel) Watkins. Before coming to Princeton he was some 
time a student in Hampden Sidney College, Va. He entered 
the Junior Class in Princeton College in 1836, and became a 
Clio. 

Mr. Watkins was a man of large, stout and vigorous 
frame, with a pure and rosy complexion, a smiling coun- 
tenance — every way a handsome man. He was social, agree- 
able and fairly studious, graduating with a rank a little above 
the average. 

Immediately on leaving Princeton he began to study law 
in the office of Samuel L. Venable, Esq., and began, in 1841, 
to practice at Boydton, in his native county, where he was 
highly respected and esteemed, and had the finest prospects 
of success. But, alas ! his work was of short continuance. 
He was violently attacked by a fever, which brought on a 
softening of the brain, and he died at Boydton, February i, 
1848, at the age of twenty-eight years. He was not only for 
his years a good lawyer, he was also an eminently good man. 
He was for some years not only a member, but also a ruling 
elder in the Presbyterian Church. Besides his name and the 



l50 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

mere dates of his birth and death, the whole of his epitaph — 
an eloquent and efficient one — is this : " He trusted in God." 

Mr. Watkins married, March 16, 1842, Sallie Tarry, daugh- 
ter of Edward Tarry, of Mecklenburg County, Va. This 
lady survived him, married twice, and now lives a third time 
a widow, under the name of Mrs. Sallie Harrison, at Wil- 
liamsboro', Vance County, N. C. They had two children, 
viz.: I. Lucy Tarry, married Hon, E. B. Goode, of Mecklen- 
burg County, where she still lives. 2. Judith Christian, 

married Walter L. Bullock, and lives at Williamsboro', Vance 
County, N. C. 



RKV. SAMUEL G. WEEKS, A.M. 

Samuel G. Weeks was born in Strafford County, N. H., 
in the year 1809. The most diligent inquiry has failed to 
learn anything else about his pre-collegiate history. 

Mr. Weeks entered Princeton College in 1834, being one 
of the "original twelve" who formed our Freshman Class at 
its very start. He was a member of the Whig Society, and 
was one of those oddities who turn up now and then in col- 
lege life. He was, to begin, ten years older than a large ma- 
jority of his classmates ; was rather above average height, 
slender and flexible and had sandy hair and sandy complex- 
ion. His whole appearance and manner seemed to intimate 
that he had emerged from a school-house in Strafford County, 
which is on the borders of Maine, where he had been wield- 
ing a birchen sceptre during those ten years. One of our 
most vivid recollections of him is, that he always appeared 
in the Recitation Room wearing a shabby pair of slippers, 
turned down at the heel — the only pair of slippers that mem- 
ory can recall as having ever appeared in that revered place. 
It seems but as yesterday that we saw those slippers and 
their wearer glide to the blackboard when he was called on to 
recite, while Prof Dod's piercing black eyes, full of inquisi- 
tive humor, were fixed upon him. He was always grave, but 
always ready to be friendly when his friendship was sought. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 151 

He glided in a quiet, cat-like way through the four years of 
his college course, and at its end his final grade was a little 
below the average. 

After leaving college he taught somewhere one year ; then 
re-appeared in Princeton, and entered the Theological Semi- 
nary, and spent in it three years, graduating regularly in 1842. 
Then going westward he entered upon the work of the sa- 
cred ministry in Michigan, where he labored one or two 
years as Stated Supply at Leonidas Presbyterian Church, 
near Cowan's Mills. In 1844 he was preaching as Stated 
Supply to Haw Patch Church, Wolf Lake, Indiana. In 
1844-46 he preached as pastor to three churches- — Wolf 
Lake, Haw Patch and Warsaw, in Indiana, being a member 
of the Presbytery of Fort Wayne. 

Mr. Weeks died at Wolf Lake, Noble County, Ind., May 
21, 1846, of an intermittent fever. His last pra|^er was: 
" Come, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." His wife's name 
was Mrs. Mary W. Weeks. Her maiden name, and the 
names of her parents, and whether they had any children, are 
not known. 

Mr. Weeks was a plain man and a somewhat odd man, but 
a truly faithful and conscientious one. Doubtless he did his 
work well, and is receiving his reward. 



HON. WILI.IAM GUSTAVUS WHiTEIvBY, A.M. 

William Gustavus Whiteley was born at Newark, Del., 
August 7, 18 19. His parents were Henry Whiteley and 
Katharine (Whiteley) Whiteley. He was prepared for college 
in The Preparatory Department of Delaware College at his 
native town. His home while in Princeton College was at 
Wilmington, Del. 

Mr. Whiteley probably entered Princeton College in 1837, 
joining the Junior Class after January of that year, as his name 
does not appear in the College catalogue of 1836-7. He was 
^ member of the Whig Society. He was of full average size, 
well-formed and active, taking a prominent part on the play- 



152 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 83 8, 

ground. As a student, and for his years, he was grave and 
dignified, but always courteous and socially inclined. He 
soon acquired among his companions the sobriquet of "Judge " 
— a foreshadowing of honors soon to come. He was a faithful 
student, and at his graduation ranked as one of the highest 
third of his class. 

Having graduated, he at once began the study of law in 
the office of the Hon. James A. Bayard at Wilmington, Del., 
and having received license in 1841, began to practice in that 
town. He continued there until 1853, when he removed to 
New Castle, Del., where he practiced until 1870; then he 
returned to Wilmington, continuing there during the remainder 
of his life. 

In 1856 Mr. Whiteley was elected a member of the House 
of Representatives of the United States, and in 1858 was 
re-elected for a second term, continuing in Congress four 
years. He was also for some years Prothonotary of the 
Superior Court of Delaware (of which he was afterwards 
judge) ; Mayor of Wilmington ; Census Commissioner for 
Delaware in 1880; and held a number of minor honorable 
appointments. In 1884 he was made Judge of the Superior 
Court of the State of Delaware and [ex officio) of the Orphans' 
Court also. He wrote a work on " The Revolutionary Soldiers 
of Delaware," which was published by the State. 

Judge Whiteley died at Wilmington, Del., April 25, 1886, 
of induration of the liver. His health had been failing at 
least a year before his death : his last illness, however, was of 
only two or three weeks duration. He was not connected 
with any church, but was in preference a Presbyterian, of 
which body his family were members. He was buried at 
Bridgeton, N. J., near his two daughters who had preceded 
him, and in the burial-ground of his wife's family. 

Judge Whiteley married, June 13, 1844, Nancy P. Elmer, 
daughter of William Elmer, M.D., of Bridgeton, N. J. She 
survived him and is still living in Wilmington. They had six 
children, viz. : i. Mary Elmer, died in 1868, aged about 

twenty-three years. 2. Elizabeth Eugenia, died in 1859* 

aged about twelve years. 3. Henry Whiteley, an iron 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 153 

merchant, living in Philadelphia. 4. Margaret Potter, mar- 
ried Lewis P. Bush, Jr., and lives in Wilmington. 5. Wil- 
liam Gustavus Whiteley, Jr., in the iron business, unmarried, 

and lives also in Wilmington. 6. Charles Ewing Elmer 

Whiteley, Treasurer of The Serpentine Marble Co., is un- 
married and lives in the same place. 

Judge Whiteley was in the front rank of his profession in 
his native State. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, but 
held the respect and good will of both parties. His great 
knowledge and sound judgment gave great weight to his 
opinions ; while his geniality and other personal traits made 
him a favorite with the people. As a husband and a father 
he was kind and loving. He died universally regretted. 



I^EWIS JEFFBRY WIIvWAMS, A.M., M.E^ 

Lewis Jeffery Williams, son of William and Mary 
(Jeffery) Williams, was born at Havre de Grace, Md., Oct. 14, 
1819, and was prepared for college under the tuition of the 
Rev. Reuben H. Davis, at Bel Air, Harford Co., Md. 

Mr. Williams entered Princeton College in 1835, joining 
the Sophomore Class and the Whig Society. He was above 
the average size somewhat and strongly built. In manners he 
was modest, retiring, quiet; yet self-possessed, firm and fear- 
less. He was as regular as clock-work in his attendance 
upon recitations and all other college duties ; was also an 
intense and absorbed student, and came out at the end of his 
course with the second grade — second only to Daniel John- 
son. It was a beautiful thing to hear him recite. He 
marched through the difficulties of his way like a man who 
was firmly and consciously placing his foot squarely at every 
step upon a block of granite. 

On graduating, he immediately engaged in the study of 
medicine and received his degree of M.D. in 1841 from The 
University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Within the 
twelvemonth following he received from Government an ap- 
pointment in connection with the Navy. Thenceforth to the 



154 BIOGRAPHY OI^ THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

end of his life he was identified with that arm of our national 
defence. We know no better way of presenting his history, 
in the absence of other information, than by quoting a very 
condensed statement of it obtained from a volume of navy 
records : 

" Born in Maryland, Oct, 10, 18 19. Appointed Assistant Surgeon, U. 
S. Navy, Jany. 25, 1842, Served on U. S. Sloop Falmouth, Home 
Squadron, 1842-4; Schooner Phoenix, 1844; Sloop Yorktown, Coast of 
Africa, 1844-6; Brig Washington, 1847; Brig Porpoise, Coast of Africa, 
1847-8; Sloop Jamestown, Mediterranean Squadron, 1848-50; Naval 
Hospital, New York, 1850; Steamer John Hancock, 1851 ; Steam Frig- 
ate Mississippi. East India Squadron, 1852-3 ; Sloop Saratoga, East 
Indies, 1853-4; Naval Hospital, New York, 1855. 

"Commissioned as Surgeon Aug. 30, 1856; Sloop Cyane, Pacific 
Squadron, 1858-60; Navy Yard, New York, 1861-63; Steam Sloop 
Richmond, West Gulf Squadron, 1863-5 ; Battle of Mobile Bay, Aug. 5, 
1864; Navy Yard, Washington, 1866-9; Member Board of Examiners, 
Washington, 1871-2; Naval Laboratory, New York, 1872-8. 

" Promoted to the grade of Medical Inspector March, '71, and to that 
oi Medical Director Ma-y 28, 1871. Placed on the Retired List of the 
Navy Oct. ID, I881, as Medical Director, under the law retiring all 
officers of the Navy on attaining to 62 years of age. Died at Baltimore, 
Md., April 8, 1888, in his 69th year.'' 

He died of heart disease. 

Dr. Williams married, June 19, 1850, Harriet H. Archer, 
youngest daughter of Hon. Stevenson Archer (class of 1805), 
late Chief Justice of Maryland and Representative in Con- 
gress, who resided near Churchville, Md. This lady died 
Jan. 29, 1 87 1. They left two sons and a daughter. Both 
the sons are graduates of Princeton College. His children 
are: i. Stevenson Archer Williams, AM., class of 1870, 
married Ariel E, Streett, and received the degree of LL.B. 
from the University of Maryland in 1873. 2. Mary Wil- 
liams, unmarried. 3, Frederick Rodgers Williams, A.M., 

class of 1882, and received the degree of LL.B, from the 
University of Maryland in 1885. All three of them reside in 
Bel Air, Md. 

Dr. Williams performed faithfully and well every duty of 
life, public and private, and was held in affection and honor 
by all who knew him. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 155 



SAMUKlv GERAI.DUS WII.I.IAMS. 

Samuel Geraldus Williams was born at Louisburg, 
Franklin County, N. C, December 6, 1817. His father was 
William Person Williams ; his mother, Louisa Matilda Caro- 
line (Toole) Williams. He was prepared for college at the 
Louisburg Academy ; but afterwards spent one year at the 
University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, before going to 
Princeton. 

He entered Princeton College in 1835, becoming a member 
of the Sophomore Class and of the Cliosophic Society. He 
was a little under the medium size, and was not specially 
prepossessing in face or appearance. In dress he was negli- 
gent and often slovenly, and walked with a peculiar swinging 
gait. He was an incessant tobacco-chewer, and was indolent 
in his habits and rather proud than otherwise of his indolence. 
But he was warm-hearted, often genial, and when he chose to 
be, exceedingly attractive and agreeable. And he was de- 
cidedly t/te ge7iius of his class. He had a brilliant mind, 
which could sparkle and corruscate on the slightest provoca- 
tion. He had a rare gift of eloquence, and was a superb 
writer, his productions abounding with real thought-gems. 
He could make a fine recitation on any subject with less study 
than any man we ever knew. He came out at the end of his 
course with the tenth grade. With the application, industry 
and perseverance possessed by others of less brilliant minds, he 
might have taken the first. And when he graduated, all hoped 
to hear great things of him in the future. Alas ! 

On leaving college he at once entered on the study of law, 
probably in the office of the Hon. William H. Haywood, of 
Raleigh, N. C. It has been almost impossible to learn any- 
thing about his practice of his profession. A gentleman 
residing in Louisburg, Mr. Williams' native place, writes: 
" He studied law, but I am not certain that he ever practiced. 
I think, .however, that he did." Our classmate's sister says : 
" Soon after leaving college he was married, and removed to 
Alabama to practice law. Thence he went to Baltimore, Md., 



156 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

and was connected in some way with a newspaper." If he 
practiced law at all, it was for a short time, and his work as a 
lawyer has left no trace behind it. The flattering hopes ex- 
cited by the brilliancy of his intellect were never realized. We 
fear that the cause of this failure may be found in a few words 
written in a letter from a gentleman in North Carolina, who 
says, "he was not happily married, drank badly, a-nd soon 
died," Even when he was in college, many of his ardent 
admirers feared that his future would be wrecked by an indul- 
gence in strong drink. 

Mr. Williams died in Baltimore, Md., May 28, 1853. His 
remains were taken to his native place and interred in the 
Ruffin burial ground, about one and a-half miles from Louis- 
burg. 

He married, August 4, 1840, Mary H. Ruffin, daughter of 
Col. John Ruffin, who resided near Louisburg, N. C. This 
lady died June 18, 1878. They had but one child, a daughter, 
named Mary Louisa Elizabeth Williams, who survived her 
father but one year, and died, in the thirteenth year of her 
age, June 16, 1854. 

We will close this sad story, by inserting a tribute to his 
memory from our honored classmate, Dr. Henry W, B. Wood- 
hull : 

" It was pretty generally admitted, I believe, that Samuel G. Williams 
had the most brilliant mind of any one of our ' 75.' He was well-liked, 
quiet and unpretentious, but rather indolent than otherwise. With no 
seeming ambition in any particular line of study, he was yet always 
ready when called upon — although perhaps the previous thirty minutes 
were all that had been devoted to preparation. In oratorical power he 
was hardly up to some others of the class. But as a writer he was bril- 
liant — Grattan, Burke and Patrick Henry all rolled into one — yet so 
original that it was hard to say that his style resembled any one 
standard.'' 

" I remember, when our Junior Division speaking came off in the 
chapel, that President Carnahan stopped him in mid-course, because he 
would give the speech that had been ruled out, when told to prepare 
another. At my request he loaned it to me afterwards to read, and I 
committed it to memory— not for its sentiments — but for sotne of the 
finest rounded periods that I have found anywhere in the English lan- 
guage. The presidential grievance was this, that our gifted classmate, 



PRINCKTON COLLEGE. 157 

with the ken of a seer, did forecast, with most startling accuracy, the 
political horoscope of our great ' family quarrel * that culminated twenty- 
three years later." 



MAJ. HENRY WII.I.IAM BECK WOODHULIv, A.M., M.D.- 

Henry William Beck Woodhull was born at Vine Hill, 
Manalapan Township, Monmouth County, N. J., October 3, 
1 8 19. He was the only son of Gilbert Tangier Smith Woodhull, 
M.D., a young, brilliant and rich physician, at the top round 
of his profession, of the highest social position, beloved by 
all about him, who died October 13, 1830. Our classmate's 
mother was Charlotte Wikoff, fourth daughter of Col. William 
Wikoff, of Monmouth County, N. J., and through her he is a 
great-grandson of Col. Nathaniel Scudder, M.D. (Class of 
175 1), who fell during the Revolutionary War. He% of the 
seventh generation in descent since the family settlement of 
the Woodhulls in America in 1648. His elementary training 
was under Messrs. Partridge & Fisk in Monmouth County 
until 1 831; after that, at the Princeton Academy under the 
Rev. Charles C. Sears. 

Mr. Woodhull entered the Freshman Class at Princeton 
College in 1834, where he and the writer became acquainted, 
both being of " the original twelve," who were the nucleus of 
the Class of 1838. He also became a Clio. He was of me- 
dium height, of sedate and orderly bearing, of pleasing and 
genial manners; always a gentleman, and highly esteemed 
among his fellow-students. 

After his graduation he spent four years (1838-42) on his 
farm at Vine Hill, Monmouth County, N. J. From 1842 to 
1845 he studied in New York City at The College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons and at the old New York Hospital on 
Broadway. Upon receiving his degree of M.D. in 1845, he 
settled in New Brunswick, N. J., and there practiced medicine 
and surgery until June, 1854, nine years. He then removed 
to Madison Avenue in New York City, and in later years to 
Brooklyn, N. Y. Ever since 1854 he has been practicing in 
New York City and its vicinity, the area of his work being 



158 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

extended over these cities almost daily. In all his labors he 
has worked upon the highest Christian plans and from the 
highest and most philanthropic motives. His ambition has 
been to save human life, to shield so far as possible the 
wronged and oppressed, to put the poor crazed soul perhaps 
meditating suicide on his or her feet again and as his reward 
see him becoming a happy and useful member of society. 

In the year 1856 he received the appointment of Surgeon 
of the Twelfth Regiment of the National Guard of the State 
of New York, with rank as Captain. In 1858 he was pro- 
moted to be Brigade Surgeon, with the rank of Major. For 
eighteen years he served the State and the General Govern- 
ment in the capacity of Brigade Hospital Surgeon, with the 
rank of Major. He received a thorough military training at 
the hands of the late Col. W. W. Tompkins, a graduate of 
West Point, a most accomplished soldier, and at that time a 
retired United States Army officer. The " War Governor " 
of New York (E. D. Morgan) urged Dr. WoodhuU on three 
several occasions to accept the position of Surgeon General 
of the State of New York, with the rank and pay of Brigadier 
General, which promotion he declined. He also refused the 
Colonelcy of the Fifth Regiment of National Guards of the 
State of New York. He likewise refused a chair at Bellevue 
College Hospital, tendered to him by the late Prof. Willard 
Parker, M.D. He was made a permanent member of the 
American Medical Association ; a Fellow of the New York 
Academy of Medicine; and a member of the New York Pa- 
thological Society. He was also one of the original members 
of the New York State Military Association; and Col. Hardee 
of the U. S. Army and he were invited to address that Asso- 
ciation upon the occasion of their Annual Meeting at Albany 
in i860. For five years he was also the Medical Director of 
a large City Life Insurance Company. 

For 18 years it was one of Dr. Woodhull's earnest aims to 
bring the First Division of the National Guard to the ability 
to supply competent officers for the desperate struggle of the 
civil war, which he foresaw many years before its advent — 
officers whom no military school at the North could possibly 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 159 

furnish in sufficient numbers. And when the war was ended 
one regiment alone of his Division had contributed 600 edu- 
cated officers to help discipline the crude material of the vol- 
unteers. He also rendered another important service to his 
country during the civil war. He gave the casting vote in 
the First Division Board of officers (in response to im- 
ploring telegrams from Washington) to carry the whole of 
the four brigades (10,000 men) into the Pennsylvania cam- 
paign : thus rescuing and fortifying Harrisburg against the 
further advance of Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee at the head of his 
cavalry and flying artillery. To supply deficiencies in the 
Medical Staff, Dr. WoodhuU drew upon and exhausted the 
entire service of all the New York and New England hospi- 
tals. These brigades mined the bridge across the Susque- 
hanna; threw up earth-works; mounted artillery; captured 
and controlled all the upper fords ; entered and ^cupied 
Carlisle just in time to get a shelling from the enemy on the 
same night ; and had a spirited little engagement at Sporting 
Hill a full month before the main body of the Confederates 
had reached Gettysburg. 

Dr. Woodhull, married May 12, 1847, on St. John's Park, 
New York City, Azelia, youngest daughter of Joseph Giraud, 
Esq., a retired merchant of New York, of French Huguenot 
descent. This lady still lives to adorn and bless his home. 
They have had three children, viz. : i. Thenford, unmarried ; a 
graduate of Columbia College and its Law School, New York; 
a counsellor at law, and residing with his father in Brooklyn, 

N. Y. 2. Rosalie, who died in 1856, aged 4 years, and 3. 

Evelyn De Vivon, unmarried, and residing with her father. 
Our classmate has not yet attained to the dignified and vener- 
able title of grandfather. 

When gathering materials for this sketch a year ago, the 
writer applied to Dr. Woodhull for the names of the works he 
had published. Instead of this he sent a long, and learned, 
and most charming list of the works he ought to have pub- 
lished ; not one of which had, as yet, gone through the press. 
Perhaps this has resulted from his having written so long and 
so effective a series of very condensed physician's prescriptions 



160 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

that he has lost faith in larger publications, for in a commu- 
nication to a friend written several years ago, he says, " I have 
written a good deal upon general subjects, but always in so 
terse and concise a manner as hardly to claim attention when 
the end had been gained. Soul-stirring brevity is worth more 
than a pamphlet for all the emergencies it has been my own 
lot to encounter,'' 

Dr. Woodhull's family has furnished a long and noble list 
of names to the Alumni Roll of Princeton College. Among 
these may be mentioned: i. The Rev. William WoodhuU 

(Class of 1764), brother of his grandfather. 2. Rev. John 

Woodhull, D.D. (1766), a College Trustee and an eminent 

divine, his grandfather. 3. Col. Nathaniel Scudder, M.D. 

(i;5i), who was killed during the Revolutionary War, was a 
Trustee of the College at the time of his death, and was our 

classmate's great-grandfather on his mother's side. 4. Peter 

Wikofif (1791), his mother's uncle. 5. Rev. George Spof- 

ford Woodhull (1790), his father's brother and a Trustee of the 

College. 6. Nathaniel Scudder Wikoff( 1806), his mother's 

brother; besides almost innumerable cousins and other rela- 
tives. His father, Gilbert Tangier Smith Woodhull, M.D., 
and several other relatives who were not Alumni, received 
honorary titles from Princeton College. 

Although not a member of any church, he has been an 
attendant on the Presbyterian Church, for which he has a 
decided preference, and in which so many members of his 
family have held distinguished places of honor and usefulness 
for several generations. 

The life of a physician and surgeon having a large practice, 
especially when that practice has been spread over a large 
city and has included for years the work of an army surgeon 
in time of war, as Dr. Woodhull's has done, must have been 
very full of striking incidents and adventures. He could 
doubtless fill a large volume with most interesting facts from 
his professional life. Two or three such incidents we have, 
in the course of our intimate correspondence, drawn from him, 
and these we venture to insert here, knowing how deeply they 
will interest the readers of these pages. 



PRINCETON COI.LEGE. 161 

A gentleman connected with a heavy business house and 
occupying an elegant mansion, became separated from his wife 
and children through the machinations of enemies to both of 
them. In a fit of delirium thus occasioned, he rushed from 
his bed to jump out of the window, but the window being 
closed, the single pane of heavy plate glass was dashed in 
pieces, and he fell back with his face fearfully cut by it. It 
was then Doctor Woodhull saw him for the first time; dressed 
his wounds and put him under strict surveillance night and 
day ; took charge of and paid the servants, and indeed, attended 
to everything pertaining to his interests. He wrote to his 
patient's wife in Ohio to come back with her children, and go 
with her husband to Europe for three years ; and went to his 
two partners (an utter stranger to them all), who told him to 
draw for all the money wanted. He got drafts on London 
and Paris ; engaged state-rooms on a steamer and saw tnem off. 
Three years afterwards he saw them domiciled in their old 
home, as happy as possible, and showering blessings on his 
head for " saving them from utter ruin." 

Doctor Woodhull was sent for to see a maniac, no further 
particulars being given. He found him sitting in the centre of 
his room " armed to the teeth " — a gun cocked and loaded with 
buck shot, pointed as the Doctor entered. The latter, looking 
him squarely in the eye, said, " You will not surely kill your 
Doctor, who means you no harm." The gun was lowered. 
Then the Doctor went for the sheriff and sent the maniac to 
the Lunatic Asylum, after which the family, driven out in 
mortal terror, went back to their home. 

Two men came to the Doctor at night to have a sick friend 
visited in Houston Street, two blocks from Broadway, then up 
an alley and up three flights of stairs. He found a room with 
no carpet and no furniture, save a bed in the far corner and a 
table holding a " tallow dip." The Doctor felt of the man's 
pulse, and tJiat instant knew that he ivas trapped. He said to 
the feigning sick man that he would write a prescription. He 
stepped to the table, but instead of taking out his pencil, 
whipped out his navy revolver and covered both men, who 
were standing with their backs to the closed door, ordering 
them to throw the door open or they would be dead men in 



162 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

less than one minute. They said, " Only put your watch and 
money on the table and we'll do you no harm." The key 
was thrown upon the floor. They were sharply told to pick 
it up at once, to unlock the door, throw it wide open, and to 
move to the bed and stay there. They yielded. The Doctor, 
taking the candle, backed down the stairway with pistol still 
ready for use if they so much as popped their heads outside. 
Passing out the dark alley, he threw away the candle in 
Houston Street, and went home to bed. 

A doctor needs a cool head, a steady nerve and quick per- 
ceptions. He sometimes needs all the qualities of a tried 
soldier. So this doctor did, when he felt called to lie down 
on a battle-field, keeping his finger upon the bleeding artery 
of a wounded man while a whole regiment charged over the 
two. His reward in this case was the high commendation of 
Gen. Joe Hooker, uttered in the presence of a hundred offi- 
cers — of Gen. Hooker, who was never known to praise any 
one before. When the dead General was borne before him 
afterwards at his funeral, the Surgeon removed his hat with 
grateful remembrance of this distinguished honor. 

Dr. WoodhuU was present at our memorable class-meeting 
at Princeton on June 20, 1888, and took an active part in its 
proceedings. Indeed, from the time such a meeting was 
first proposed, he threw his soul into the undertaking, and 
effectively helped to secure the attendance of others and to 
make it what it was. He has also aided the writer 
in securing materials for this " Biography." One thing 
surprised his assembled classmates greatly : he wore no 
" crown of glory," not a white hair appearing on his head, 
while he almost retained the vigor and activity of fifty years 
ago. And in a letter we have just read, speaking of the "ad- 
vantages of keeping up one's physical training," he states 
that at the Princeton Academy, taught by the Rev. C. C. 
Sears, where he was a pupil from 1831-34, he was regularly 
"routed up, and out at sunrise for an 'Indian trot ' of two 
miles before breakfast ; and can practice it quite as actively 
and enjoyably now, at the age of seventy, as he then could 
at the age of twelve." Long may his life and his vigor con- 
tinue, say his surviving classmates each and all. 



PRINCETON COI.I.KGE. 163 



NON-GRADUATE MEMBERS, 

OF THE CIvASS OF 1838. 



Besides the seventy-five members of the Class of 1838 who 
were graduated and received their diplomas, there were 
tiventy-nine persons who, at different times, were for a longer 
or shorter period, members of the class, but were never 
graduated. Of these brief sketches will now be given. 



THOMAS JAMBS ANCRUM, % 

Thomas James Ancrum, son of William and Elizabeth Dale 
(Brisbane) Ancrum, was born at Camden, Kershaw County, 
S. C, July 17, 1 8 17, and was prepared for college in his native 
place under H. P. Hatfield. He entered Princeton College in 
1834, joining the Freshman Class, of which he was one of 
"the original twelve " members; also the Cliosophic Society, 
He is well remembered as a genial, warm-hearted, whole- 
souled, impulsive friend and companion, beloved by every- 
body and familiarly known as " Tom Ancrum." He remained 
in college to the end of the Sophomore year, then withdrew 
and returned to take charge of his planting interests near his 
native place. He never studied any profession, but to the end 
of his life remained a Planter. During the civil war he served 
as a recruiting officer. He died November 16, 1887. 

Mr. Ancrum married, July 8, 1840, Margaret Frances 
Douglas, daughter of James Kennedy Douglas, Esq., of Cam- 
den. This lady survived him, and is still living. He left two 
sons and five daughters, viz. : i. William Alexander Ancrum, 

who married Anna Calhoun, and lives in Camden, S. C. 2. 

Thomas Brisbane Ancrum. -3. Charlotte Douglas, married 

James Cantry, and lives in Camden. 4. Elizabeth Brisbane^ 



164 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

married to John Boykin, living in the same place. 5. Mar- 
garet Frances, married Robert Johnson, and also resides in 

Camden. 6. Mary Katherine Ancrum, unmarried, and at 

home, 7. Jessie Douglas Ancrum, unmarried, and at home 

with her mother. 

Mr. Ancrum was always active in matters of home interest, 
but never went into public life, living the life of a country 
gentleman fond of field sports, his surroundings giving him 
the opportunity for gratifying his taste in that way. Before 
the war he was a man of large wealth, which he distributed 
generously to all about him. He was a good master and 
kind in all his relations in life. He left a large family, who 
hold a high position in the community in which they live. 
He united with the Presbyterian Church in Camden about two 
years before his death, lived a consistent Christian life, and 
left to his friends a good hope that he enjoys a blissful rest. 

Mr. Ancrum had an older brother, William Alexander An- 
crum, whom many of us well remember, and who was gradu- 
ated in the Class of 1836. He was born in Camden, S. C, 
June 16, i8i5,and died there July 9, 1862, leaving one son 
and three daughters. Like [his brother Thomas, he also was 
a Planter all his life. 

RUFUS KING BARRETT. 

RuFUS King Barrett was born in Bedford, Westchester 
County, N. Y., October 9, 18 13. His father was Joseph 
Barrett, of that place. He was prepared for college under 
the instructions of Mr. H. S. Banks at the Bedford 
Academy, and afterwards of the Rev. Samuel I. Prime at 
Sing Sing, N. Y. He entered Princeton College in the 
fall of 1835, joining the Sophomore Class and the Clio- 
sophic Society. But his health was exceedingly poor, and 
at the end of four months he relinquished study and with- 
drew from college. He then devoted himself to agriculture 
and has ever since been a farmer in the near vicinity of his 
native place. His health is yet feeble. He married Harriet 
L. Ward, a niece of General Aaron Ward, of Sing Sing, N. Y., 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 165 

and has had six children, of whom one daughter and two 
sons are living. He has one grandchild. 

Mr. Barrett writes : " My life has not been all sunshine. 
After my marriage I was highly prospered for sixteen years. 
When my last child was born, my wife died, leaving to me 
the care of six children. Since that time I have been deeply 
afflicted. My father had eleven children ; I am the only one 
of them now living. My loved ones are nearly all on the 
other shore, and I am just waiting to meet them where there 
will be no more parting." Mr. Barrett is a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 



JOHN EI.I,IS BONHAM, U^.B., ESQ. 



» 



John Ellis Bonham was the son of William and Matilda 
(Shamp) Bonham, and was born in Kingwood Township, 
Hunterdon County, N. J,, March 31, 1819. He was prepared 
for college in the school of Robert Rittenhouse, near Ser- 
geantsville, Hunterdon Co., N. J. 

Mr. Bonham entered the Junior Class at Princeton College, 
and became a member of the Whig Society in 1836. But, 
owing to poor health, he left college before the end of that year, 
and visited Spain and the south of France. Having returned, 
he seems to have gone to Canonsburg, Pa., and attended Jeffer- 
son College for a short time, as his name appears there in the 
catalogue of the Franklin Society as having joined it in 1836; 
but he did not graduate. He went thence to Carlisle, Pa., 
where he joined the Law School of Dickinson College, then 
under the headship of the Hon. John Reed. He was admitted 
to the bar Nov. 1 1, 1839, and in 1840 was graduated from the 
Law School with the title of LL.B. He at once began the 
practice of law in Carlisle and continued to practice there 
until he died. As soon as his real worth was known he be- 
came the pet of the community. He was confessedly a very 
bright and scholarly man. When Hon. John K. Kane was 
Attorney-General of the State, Mr. Bonham became his 
deputy for that county and held the office three years. He 



166 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

was a member of the Town Council of Carlisle and President 
of that body in 1853-4. He was a School Director of the 
Carlisle schools from August, 1853, to April, 1854, when he 
resigned. He was also Chairman of the Democratic State 
Central Committee in 1854. For a time he was also a mem- 
ber of the State Legislature. In 1854 he was nominated for 
Congress, but was defeated by Lemuel Todd, the Know- 
Nothing candidate. He held for some time the position of 
U. S. Marshal ; and was for many years the Editor and Pro- 
prietor of The American Volunteer, the Democratic organ in 
Carlisle. 

The valuable " History of Cumberland County," by the 
Rev. C. P. Wing, D.D., contains an admirable sketch of Mr. 
Bonham from the pen of A. B. Sharpe, Esq , an eminent law- 
yer of Carlisle, from which we quote the following sentences : 

" Mr. Bonham had an extensive practice, but never a fondness for 
the drudgery of his profession. . . . He had great fondness for English 
Literature and his Hbrary was large and choice. He had political am- 
bition and cultivated the qualities that would have made him an emi- 
nent statesman. He was accustomed to write for the leading political 
journals of his party articles on all the prominent questions of the day. 
He had none of the arts of the demagogue. His manners were modest: 
his speech that of a cultivated gentleman and a graceful orator : and 
his habits more those of the student than of the man of the world. 
Still he was the representative man of his party, and this because his 
abilities commanded the position. He was a Democrat. During his 
term in the Legislature he was the acknowledged leader of the House. 
. . . After his defeat for Congress, he resolved to quit politics and 
devote himself to his profession. He determined to remove to Phila- 
delphia, had rented an office there and expected to remove thither in a 
few days, where he took a cold in the cars, which resulted in pneu- 
monia, and death ensued in a few days.'' 

This event occurred March 19, 1855. 

Mr. Bonham married Sarah A. King, daughter of John 
King, of Chambersburg, Pa. She died April 7, 1852. His 
remains were buried at Chambersburg beside hers. They had 
no children. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 167 



WIIvIvIAM ARMSTRONG BOYD, M.D. 

William Armstrong Boyd was a son of William Boyd, 
M.D., of Newberne, N. C, and of Mary H. (Roberts) Arm- 
strong. At the time of their marriage, her father's family 
resided at Chilton, his country-seat in Elizabethtown, N. J. 
Their son was born, June 3, 1820, at Newberne, N. C. He 
was prepared for college by the Rev. John T. Halsey, at his 
school in Elizabethtown. 

He entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton in 1835, and 
became a Clio. But for some unknown reason he remained 
only one year. 

He studied medicine under Dr. Mutter, and was graduated 
from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1845. He 
then settled in the practice of his profession at Eliza^^eth, N. 
J., and continued there until he died, Sept. 27, 1866, in the 
47th year of his age. He was an Episcopalian ; but was 
buried in the church-yard of the First Presbyterian Church at 
Elizabeth. A gentleman of that city writes of him : " He 
was an exceedingly clever physician, and very fond of his 
profession." He died unmarried. 



IvlEUT.-COI.. EDWARD MORTIMER BOYKIN, M.D. 

Edward Mortimer Boykin was born May 17, 1820, at 
Camden, S. C. His parents were John Boykin (Class of 18 11) 
and Charlotte (Mortimer) Boykin. He was prepared for col- 
lege in his native town, under Henry P. Hatfield, of New 
Jersey. 

He entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton, in 1835, and 
became a Clio. He was a bright, lively, genial youth, not yet 
sixteen years of age, fond of fun and frolic, and a general 
favorite. His habits were moral and orderly, and he was fairly 
studious. All his classmates regretted his loss from the class. 
But in the fall of 1836 he went home (to Camden, S. C), in- 
tending to return at the end of the vacation, when, on paying 



168 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

a visit to Columbia, S. C, he was induced to join the Junior 
Class in The College of South Carolina, at that place, and was 
graduated therefrom in 1838. 

He at once entered upon the study of medicine, and was 
graduated from Charleston (S. C.) Medical College, receiving 
his degree of M.D. in 1841. He immediately engaged in the 
practice of his profession, at Camden, S. C, his native place, 
which has been his place of residence ever since, and still is. 
He had a large practice for twenty years, until i860, when he 
retired from the active duties of his profession, having a large 
planting interest in Louisiana, which required much of his 
time. During the whole of the civil war of 1861-65, he 
was a cavalry officer, attaining the rank of Lieut.-Colonel in 
the Seventh Regiment of South Carolina Cavalry. As such, 
he was present and participated in the Evacuation of Rich- 
mond and the retreat and surrender at Appomattox. Of these 
culminating events of the long and sad war. Colonel Boykin 
wrote a full and most interesting account in a little volume 
entitled ^'The Falling Flag.'' It is, of course, written from the 
point of view of an ardent Confederate officer, but exhibits 
great literary ability and profound skill in the arrangement 
and presentation of thrilling facts. He is now a Master in 
Chancery. 

Dr. Boykin married, May 4, 1841, Mary Chesnut Lang, 
daughter of Thomas Lang, of Camden, S. C. This lady still 
lives in the enjoyment of good health. They have six chil- 
dren living— three sons and three daughters — (his oldest son, 
Thomas C. Boykin, having been killed in battle in Virginia, 
in 1864). They are : i, Edward M. Boykin, married Harriet 

M. Brevard, and lives in Camden, S. C. ; 2, John Boykin, 

married Miss Elizabeth B. Ancrum, daughter of Thomas J. 

Ancrum (Class of 1838); 3, Budwell Boykin, unmarried; 

4, Mary McRa Boykin ; 5, Harriet L- Boykin ; 6, Sally 

W. Boykin ; all three unmarried, and living with their father. 

Dr. Boykin attends the Presbyterian Church, of which 
some members of his family are members. P{e is reported to 
be a very large man. While in practice he was regarded 
as an unusually excellent physician. In a welcome letter 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 169 

received from him some months ago, he writes : " My Hfe has 
been a very varied one. I lost a large fortune at the close of 
the war, but consider myself fortunate in my old age, in having 
my sons and daughters around me, all securing a respectable 
living. My wife and I are both remarkably strong and 
healthy. Although I was a wild and rather reckless boy, I 
never contracted any of those habits that wreck a man's life. 
It has given me great pleasure to hear from you. I live a 
great deal in the past. When Lawrence O'B. Branch was 
killed, I was within a few miles of him. At Princeton I was 
[save one] next him on the class-roll." 



JOHN RICHARD BRANCH, ESQ. 

John Richard Branch was born at Raleigh, N. C-, Sep- 
tember 25, 18 19, in the Governor's Mansion. His parents 
were John Branch of Enfield, Halifax Co., N. C, and Eliza 
(Fort) Branch. His father, John Branch, was Governor of 
North Carolina from 18 17 to 1821 ; he was also Secretary of 
the Navy during the Presidency of General Andrew Jackson. 

Our classmate was prepared for college in the school of 
Mr. William J. Bingham, in Orange Co., N. C. He entered 
Princeton College in the fall of 1835, joining the Sophomore 
Class and the Cliosophic Society. He came in company with 
three cousins, for some notice of whom see the sketch of 
Laurence O'B. Branch in this Class Book. He was in stature 
the smallest of the four, being rather under medium size ; was 
gentle, warm-hearted, orderly, studious, and much beloved by 
his classmates. In accordance with the (ret usages of college 
life he was generally called "Governor," in allusion to the 
position of his father. 

Mr. Branch remained at Princeton about two years, passing 
through the Sophomore and Junior years. He then withdrew 
and engaged in the war against the Seminole Indians in 
Florida, serving on the staff of Gen. Leigh Read with the 
rank of Major. Afterwards he studied law in Raleigh, N. C, 
in the office of Mr, Miller, an eminent lawyer of that city. 



170 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Having been admitted to the bar, he estabHshed himself in the 
practice of law in Nashville, Tenn., where he continued until 
about 1852, when, after the death of his wife, he returned to 
the old home of his father at Enfield, N. C, where he lived 
until his death, which occurred at that place, February 23, 
1859, in the fortieth year of his age. 

Mr. Branch married, in Nashville, Tenn., November 18, 
1841, Josephine L. Woods, daughter of Robert Woods, a 
banker of that city. She died at Nashville October 25, 1852. 
They left five children, three daughters and two sons, viz. : 
I. Theora Woods Branch, unmarried and living in Nashville, 

Tenn. 2. Eliza, married B. M. Burroughs, and lives in 

Tallahassee, Florida. ■3. Sarah Woods, married John Aus- 
tin, is now a widow, and lives in Nashville. 4. John 

Branch, living in Tallahassee, Fla. 5. Robert Woods 

Branch, living in Nashville. 

Mr. Branch had a decided preference for the Presbyterian 
Church, but was not a church member. He entertained, 
however, a most sincere respect and reverence for religion. 
He was a kind, generous and affectionate parent, and greatly 
beloved by all with whom he came in contact. 



IvUTHER BROWN. 

Luther Brown was born near Brownsburg, Rockbridge 
Co., Va., January i, 18 17. His father was the Rev. Samuel 
Brown : his mother Mary Moore, whose wonderful adventures 
and hair's-breadth escapes as a captive among the Indians are 
narrated in a book entitled " The Captives of Abb's Valley," 
published by the Presbyterian Board of Publication. He was 
the youngest of eleven children and had five brothers who 
were Presbyterian ministers. He was prepared for college by 
the Rev. James Morrison, who succeeded his father as pastor 
of New Providence Presbyterian Church. 

He entered Princeton College in 1834, and became a Whig. 
He was large in frame, with large and dreamy eyes, and un- 
commonly amiable and friendly in disposition, but very indo- 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 171 

lent. At the end of the Freshman year he was withdrawn 
from college by his friends because of his inattention to the 
prescribed studies and his excessive fondness for amusement. 

After leaving Princeton, he went in 1835 to Hampden Sid- 
ney College, Va. ; but after being there one year was again 
withdrawn for the same reasons as before. But about 1838 
his character as a student underwent a marvellous change and 
he entered with ardor and energy upon the study of medicine; 
first privately ; then at the University of Virginia at Char- 
lottesville ; and finally at Philadelphia. 

After receiving license to practice, he settled near Russell- 
ville, in East Tennessee. He had a strong mind and a sound 
judgment, and rose rapidly in the estimation of his professional 
brethren and in that of the whole community, until he was 
regarded, both as a physician and as a citizen, with a degree of 
respect and love that was really enthusiastic. • 

Dr. Brown died near Russellville, East Tennessee, April 30, 
185 1, of pulmonary consumption. He had made a profession 
of religion at about sixteen years of age, but his religious 
character underwent a marked change about the time he ad- 
dressed himself in earnest to study. His final sufferings were 
borne with fortitude and patience, and he died peacefully, 
knowing " whom he had believed." His character was marked 
by great generosity and candor, with a high sense of honor. 

He was never married. 



REV. JAMBS McWHORTER BRUBN. 

James McWhorter Bruen was born at Newark, N. J., July 
30, 1 818. His parents were, James Bruen, of Newark, after- 
wards of Philadelphia, and Catharine (Baldwin) Bruen. Alex- 
ander M. Bruen, M.D., who gave a handsome property at 
Perth Amboy, N. J., to be used as a Minister's Home, was his 
first cousin. He was finally prepared for college under the 
private tuition of Samuel Baldwin, of Newark, N. J. 

Mr. Bruen joined the Sophomore Class of Princeton College 
in the fall of 1835, and became a member of the Cliosophic 



172 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

Society. We have a distinct remembrance of him in those 
student days, and can see his pleasant smile, his easy and 
genial manner. He was apparently overflowing with good 
will to all around him. 

He only remained one year at Princeton, and at the end of 
the Sophomore year withdrew, partly on account of his health, 
and partly to be nearer his home. His father then lived in 
Philadelphia, and he entered after an interval the University of 
Pennsylvania in that city, from which he was graduated in 1842. 

Having devoted himself to the work of preaching the gospel, 
he entered Union Theological Seminary in the City of New 
York, from which he was graduated in 1845. He was or- 
dained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, July i, 1845, 
and labored in New Brunswick for a short time. In the same 
year he went to New Windsor, N. Y., and remained there as 
pastor about three years. In 1849 he took charge of the 
Reformed Dutch Church, at Camptown (Irvington), N. J. In 
his later years he preached as supply in various churches, and 
a part of the time as Stated Supply at a Union Chapel at 
Middleville, which he built and largely contributed to pay for. 

Mr. Bruen died of consumption, January 29, 1881, at the 
residence of his only son, the Rev. James De Hart Bruen, 
then pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Clayton, N. J., but 
now at Belvidere, N. J. 

Mr. Bruen married. May 19, 1845, Anna M. Miller, daughter 
of William W. Miller, Esq., a distinguished young lawyer of 
New Jersey, who died in his 28th year. This lady still lives, 
and resides with her son at Belvidere. 

He was noted for his unassuming simplicity of character 
and his genial manners and warm-heartedness. He was also 
a student to the last. His Greek Testament was part of his 
daily reading. His sermons were carefully prepared and force- 
fully delivered. His piety was deep and fervent 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 173 



FRANCIS MARION COMFORT. 

Francis Marion Comfort was born at Russellville, Logan 
Co., Ky., July 28, 18 19. His father was the Rev. Daniel 
Comfort, (Class of 1808), of Orange Co., N. Y., who taught at 
Princeton, N. J., two years after graduating, then preached 
and taught at Russellville, Ky., ten years, and afterwards 
taught and died at Clinton, Miss., in 1855, being a first cousin 
of the Rev. David Comfort, D.D., of Kingston, near Princeton, 
N. J., a College Trustee. Our classmate's mother was Martha 
Ann Cruser, of Rocky Hill, near Kingston, N, J. He was 
taught, in preparing for college, by his father at Clinton, Miss. 

Mr. Comfort united with the Freshman Class of Princeton 
College, in 1834, and with the Whig Society. He was accom- 
panied to Princeton by an older brother, Benjamin Frederick 
Comfort, who joined the (Sophomore) class above us.* He 
was of small and delicate stature, with light hair and com- 
plexion. He remained at Princeton only one year, when he 
was withdrawn for reasons of economy. 

After returning home he entered Clinton Male College, of 
which his father was President, and studied there one or two 
years. He then devoted himself to teaching, and taught at 
various places in Madison and adjoining counties until about 
i860. Since that time he has turned his attention exclusively 
to farming. During the civil war he belonged to a company 
of minute men, but spent only three months in camp. 

Mr. Comfort has been twice married: I. To Sidney Ann 
King, daughter of John D. King, of Madison Co., Miss., Jan- 
uary 14, 1 84 1. She died at Chnton, Miss., July 16, 1856. 

2. To Delilah Fugler, daughter of John Fugler, of Rankin 
Co., Miss., June 24, i860. He has one son and six daughters 
living, viz.: i. Julia C. Comfort, married C. S. Collins and 
lives at Little Rock, Ark. 2. Martha L. Comfort, unmar- 

* Benjamin Frederick Comfort left college at the end of his Sophomore year; 
studied law but did not practice ; was a successful teacher in Miss, and La. and 
died in Richland Parish, La., in 1867. 



174 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

ried, lives with her sister at Little Rock. 3. John D. Com- 
fort, married Helen Pitman, and lives in Wilkinson Co., Miss. 
4. Louisa D. Comfort, married W. M. James, of Wilkin- 
son Co., Miss. 5. Laura E. married Murdock McCraine 

of the same county. 6. and 7, Maggie L. and Minnie E. 

Comfort are unmarried and live with their father. He has 
twenty-two living grandchildren. 

Mr. Comfort is still living (November, 1888), but in very 
feeble health, being a severe sufferer from asthma or some 
disease much resembling it. He is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. His home is at Woodville, Wilkinson Co., 
Miss. 

PATRICK HENRY COOKK. 

Patrick Henry Cooke was born in Portsmouth, Va., Feb- 
ruary 6, 18 1 8, and was the son of Col. Mordecai Cooke and 
Margaret (Kearns) Cooke. He was prepared for college in 
an Academy in Norfolk, Va., under the instructions of the 
Rev. George Hallson, an Episcopal clergyman. 

He entered Princeton College in 1834, becoming a mem- 
ber of the Freshman Class and of the Cliosophic Society. 
He remained nearly two years, until the end of his Sopho- 
more year, when he withdrew on account of his delicate 
health. 

He did not afterwards enter any other literary institution, 
but engaged in the study of civil engineering. He was soon, 
however, obliged to relinquish this pursuit for the same rea- 
son which had prevented his continuance in college, and 
finally chose the profession of law, reading in the office of 
James Langhorne, Esq., of Portsmouth, Va. He afterwards 
practiced law in his native city until 1847, when he was ap- 
pointed Clerk of the Gosport Navy Yard by the Secretary of 
the Navy. He next became Secretary of The Norfolk 
and Portsmouth Ferry Company, which place he held until 
May, 1862. At this time he retired with his family to 
Oxford, N. C, where he made his home until January i, 
1864. He was then appointed to a position in the Confeder- 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 175 

ate Treasury Department, and took up his abode for a short 
time in Richmond, Va., but in April of that year went, with 
that Department, to Columbia, S. C. On the approach of 
Gen. Sherman's army to Columbia, the Department was re- 
moved from it, and Mr. Cooke, passing through many dan- 
gers, difficulties and stirring adventures, found his way ulti- 
mately back to Portsmouth, where he found his home, after 
his absence of three years, plundered and desolate. After 
the close of the war he engaged in business. But during his 
stay in Columbia he had contracted the asthma, which gradu- 
ally grew worse until his death, which occurred October 25, 
1872, at Portsmouth, Va. He had married a Roman Cath- 
olic lady, and in 1853 he became a member of that church, 
in which he continued until he died. 

Mr. Cooke married, September 16, 1844, Olivia Sophie 
Bilisoly, oldest child of Joseph Antonio Bilisoly, a merchant 
of Portsmouth, Va. She still lives, and resides in that city. 
He had nine children, of whom four sons and two daughters 
are still living, viz.: i. Antonio Mordecai Cooke, married 
Mary Elizabeth Shea, of Norfolk, Va., and has two living 

children.^ 2. William Gaston Cooke, married Janet Ivy, 

of Norfolk, and has six living children. 3. Thomas Paul 

Cooke, unmarried. 4. John Carroll Virginius Cooke, un- 
married. 5. Virginia Mary Cooke, unmarried. 6. 

Mary Eliza, married V. O. Cassell, Jr., of Portsmouth, has 
two children. 

WII.I.IAM C. EASON. 

Wjlliam C. Eason was the son of John G. Eason and 
Margaretta (Deaderick) Eason, and was born at Jonesboro', 
Tenn., in 18 16, where his father was for many years a mer- 
chant and a leading citizen. 

He entered Princeton College as a half-advanced Freshman, 
early in 1835, and joined the Whig Society.* He was tall, 

« His name is mis-spelled " Edson '' in the " Catalogue" of that Society for 1883, 
and in its Index. 



176 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

slender, of easy, very gentlemanly and agreeable manners. 
He left at the end of the Freshman year, and did not return 
to Princeton, probably for financial reasons. 

Soon after the death of his father, in 1836, having inherited 
nothing, he went to Augusta, Ga., in company with his two 
brothers, Thomas D. and John. All of them died there. 
He was engaged in mercantile business at the time of his 
death. The most diligent inquiry has failed to obtain the pre- 
cise date of his death, and there appears to be no slab or stone 
above his grave. But the records of the Augusta Cemetery 
inform us that his brother, Thomas D. Eason, of East Ten- 
nessee, was buried there in 1839. They contain also the 
following record of our classmate's burial, not of his death : 
"William C. Eason, East Tennessee; Clerk, October 21, 1840; 
Congestive Fever; Age, twenty-four." That is all. A cor- 
respondent in Jonesboro', his native place, writes of him : 
" His character was exceptionally good. He is remembered 
as a remarkably kind, accommodating, generous and free- 
hearted man, very much beloved. He ' showed himself 
friendly,' and therefore had friends. He stood very high with 
all who knew him. He was never married." 



MANUEL EYRE. 

Manuel Eyre, older brother of our class-mate Mahlon 
Dickerson Eyre (the sketch of whom see), was born in Phila- 
delphia, December 18, 18 17, and was the son of Manuel Eyre 
(Class of 1793) and of Mrs. Ann Louisa (Connelly) Eyre; and 
with his younger brother above named, was prepared for col- 
lege in Holmesburg Academy, near Philadelphia; entered the 
Freshman Class at Princeton College in 1834, and became a 
member of the Whig Society. He was more grave and sedate 
than his younger brother. He continued with our class until 
the end of the Junior year in 1837, when he withdrew because 
of the condition of his eyes, which were very weak and re- 
quired treatment. 

After leaving Princeton he became a farmer, residing a part 



PRINCETON COIvLEGE. 177 

of the year in Philadelphia, and in the summer at "The 
Grange, near Overbrook," not many miles from that city. 

He married, October 8, 1840, Eliza, daughter of William 
Painter, of Delaware County, Pa. She died some years be- 
fore him. They left four children, viz.: i. Manuel Eyre, 

of San Francisco, Cal. 2. Mary Eyre, of Wilmington, 

Del. 3. Ellen Eyre Coye, of New York. 4. Mrs. Fran- 
ces Augustine Eyre Morgan, of Johnstown, Pa. 

He died while in England in November, 1879, ^^^ was 
buried there. 

WILIvIAM HAMII^TON, M.D.- 
William Hamilton was born near Staunton, Va., April 23, 
1818. Was the son of Hugh and Mrs. Elizabeth (Clark) 
Hamilton, of Staunton. He was prepared finally for tcoUege 
at the Staunton Academy under Lyttelton Waddell, Esq. 

He joined the Sophomore Class of Princeton College in 
1835 and the Whig Society, and remained a member of the 
class two years, until the close of its Junior year. He pro- 
bably left without graduating because of a scarcity of funds. 
He then taught in the Staunton Academy for some time and 
studied medicine with Dr. A. Waddell of that city. He was 
a student in the University of Virginia at Charlottesville dur- 
ing the sessions of 1839-40 and graduated as M.D., but after- 
wards pursued his medical studies further in the University of 
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. 

After completing his studies he removed with his father 
and all his immediate family to Sabine County, Missouri, 
where he practiced his profession about 15 years. His father 
and two brothers died there and he returned to Staunton. 
He was there elected assistant physician of the Western Lu- 
natic Asylum and held that office about thirty years, leading 
the life of a recluse so far as the outside world was concerned. 
About the end of this period his health failed, he resigned his 
position, and retired to his small farm near Waynesboro', 
Augusta Co., Va., where he still lives in very feeble and pre- 
carious health. 



178 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CI<ASS OF 1 838 

Dr. Hamilton never married. In early life he became a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. In his days of health 
and activity he was a man of strong and acute intellect and 
large scientific attainments. He was always rather odd — " a 
crusty bachelor," many people would say, but his heart was 
as tender towards his afflicted patients as a mother's towards 
her children, 

P. S. Since the above was written, we have been informed 
that Dr. Hamilton died Jan. 20, 1889, and was buried at 
Tinkling Spring Church. 



JAMES STEVEN JOHNSON, ESQ. 

James Steven Johnson was born in Robeson County, N. C, 
August 30, 1 8 12. His parents were Alexander and Margaret 
(Steven) Johnson. He was a brother of Daniel Johnson (of 
1838) and of William Dalrymple Johnson (of 1843). His 
preparations for college were made, first, at Beaver Creek 
Academy, fifteen miles from Fayetteville, N. C, under Archi- 
bald C. Currie, and later, at Donaldson Academy in Fayette- 
ville, under the Rev. Simeon Colton, D.D. In the fall of 
1835 he went to Yale College and entered the Freshman 
Class ; remained there one session, then came to Princeton 
and entered one year higher, viz. : the Sophomore Class. 
He also united with the Whig Society, and his name may be 
found in its catalogue of 1840, although not in that of 1883. He 
remained at Princeton nearly two years until towards the close 
of the Junior year, when he left and went to Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y., where he was graduated in 1838, sharing 
the first honor of his class with two others. His reasons for 
leaving Princeton are not known. His standing in the class 
there was one of the highest, perhaps the very highest. Few 
men ever acquired so rapidly and accurately. He had an 
acute, bright intellect, and a most retentive memory. 

After graduating at Union College he returned to his 
home; then went to Natchez, Miss., where he taught two 
years; then studied law under General John A. Quitman, a 



PRINCETON COI.I.EGK. 179 

distinguished officer in the Mexican war ; and after being ad- 
mitted to the bar, went to Carrollton, Carroll County, Miss., 
where he had a fine practice for many years. He was several 
years, first about 1846 and again in 1866, on the law bench 
(in the Orphans' Court), but he greatly preferred the liberty 
and excitement of the bar, at which his stand was a high one. 
At the time of his death he was a member of the Legislature 
of Mississippi. He was elected a member of that body first 
in 1850, and again in 1882. He died May 15, 1884. 

Mr. Johnson married, in January, 1852, Miss Falba Love, 
daughter of Alexander Love, of Marengo County, Alabama. 
Her parents had died before her marriage, and she was plant- 
ing near Benton, but living in Jackson, Miss., when she mar- 
ried Mr. Johnson. She is still living at Carrollton, Miss. 
He left one daughter and two sons, viz. : i. Falba Love John- 
son, unmarried, and living with her mother at CarroUjjpn. ■ 

2. James W. Johnson, married Annie P. Johnson, daughter 
of his uncle, the Hon. William Dalrymple Johnson, is living 
at Marion, S. C, and practicing law in partnership with him. 

3. Alexander D. Johnson, unmarried, and living with his 

mother at Carrollton. 



EIvISHA JARRBTT LEWIS, M.D. 

Elisha Jarrett Lewis was born in Baltimore, Md., July 12, 
1 8 19, and was the son of Abram J. Lewis, a merchant of 
Philadelphia, and a grandson of Capt. Joseph Lewis, of the 
Revolutionary Army. 

He entered Princeton College in the fall of 1835, joining the 
Sophomore Class and the Cliosophic Society. He was of 
medium size, of slender form, and of a delicate and almost 
effeminate countenance and complexion. He withdrew from 
college for unknown reasons at the end of his Junior year. 

After leaving college, he studied medicine under the guid- 
ance of John K. Mitchell, M.D., a distinguished physician of 
Philadelphia, and received his degree of M.D. from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania in 1840 ; after which he prosecuted his 



180 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

medical studies in Paris, and then settled in Philadelphia. He 
did not long practice medicine, however, if he did at all, but 
went into the dry-goods business with his father, in the firm 
of Lewis & Co., and continued therein until near the end of 
his life. He died July 10, 1877. 

Dr. Lewis married a daughter of Thomas Fassitt, a wealthy 
merchant of Philadelphia. He left one son and two daughters, 

viz.. I. Clarence Lewis, residing in Philadelphia. 2. Mrs. 

Howard Roberts. 3. Mrs. William H. Tiers, both residing 

in the same city. 

The interest of Dr. Lewis and his studies were directed 
largely for some years to the subject of Sporting, and he pre- 
pared and published the following volumes: i. "Hints to 
Sportsmen ; containing Notes on Shooting, the Habits of 
Game Birds and Wild Fowls of America, the Dog, the Gun, 

the Field, etc." Philadelphia, 185 1. i2mo.- 2. "The 

American Sportsman." Philadelphia, 1855. 8vo., an im- 
proved and enlarged edition of No. i. A third edition was 
published in 1857, 8vo., a beautiful volume with numerous 

illustrations. 3. " American Edition of Youatt on The 

Dog," with additions." 1847. 8vo. 

Dr. Lewis was also the author of numerous scientific and 
sporting, as well as humorous papers. 

JOHN LORD LONDON. 

John Lord London was born at Wilmington, N. C, June 
18, 1 8 19, and was the son of John Rutherford London, of 
that city, who died in 1832. He entered the Sophomore 
Class in Princeton College in the fall of 1835, and became a 
member of the Cliosophic Society. He was a gentle and 
amiable young man of pleasing address and winning manners, 
but of a frail and delicate appearance. He remained in col- 
lege two years, and finally left at the end of the Junior year, 
on account of his failing health. He then returned to Wil- 
mington, his native city, but never undertook to study for 
any profession. Nor did he ever marry. His health steadily 
grew worse, and he died of consumption November 11, 1842. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 181 



REV. NEII.I. McKAY, D.D. 

Neill McKay was born in Cumberland (now Harnett) 
County, N. C, February ii, i8i6. His parents were Neill 
McKay and Flora (McNeill) McKay. He was prepared for 
college at Donaldson Academy, Fayetteville, N. C., under the 
Rev. Simeon Colton, D.D. 

He came to Princeton in the fall of 1835, entered the So- 
phomore Class, and joined the Whig Society. He was un- 
mistakably Scotch-Irish in every fibre of his body; genial, 
bright, companionable, attractive, muscular; of clear and 
strong opinions held tenaciously, which he was always 
ready to argue for, or even to fight for, if necessary ; a grand 
player on the " shinny-ground ;" an industrious and faithful 
student. He remained in college through the Sophonfere and 
Junior years, and then withdrew and entered Union College 
at Schenectady, N. Y., in company with our other classmate, 
James S Johnson. Thence he was graduated in 1838. 

Having devoted himself to the work of the sacred ministry, 
Mr. McKay entered Columbia Theological Seminary in South 
Carolina, where he studied three years, and was graduated in 
1 841. He was ordained, sine titulo, by the Presbytery of 
Fayetteville, November 13, 1841. From that time on until 
now he has continued to preach the gospel at various 
churches, — Sardis, Tirza, Buffalo, Flat Branch and others, 
but always within the bounds of one and the same Presby- 
tery which ordained him, and residing nearly all that time in 
the same place. Until the close of the civil war the colored 
population in his vicinity constituted a most important and 
interesting portion of his charge ; but they are now separately 
organized. Yet he often preaches to them still. 

He received his degree of D.D. from The University of 
North Carolina. 

Dr. McKay has been thrice married, i. December 22, 
1 84 1, to Sarah A. James, daughter of the Rev. Robert W. 

James, of Sumter, S. C. 2. May 14, 1863, to Ann Blount 

Pettigrew, daughter of the Hon. E. Pettigrew, of Tyrrell 



182 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

County, N. C. 3. December 10, 1873, to Margaret Mur- 

chison, daughter of Duncan Murchison, Esq. He has three 
surviving children, i. Corneha A., married to Maj. M. McR. 

McLaughlin, and resides in Cheraw, S. C. 2. Mary E. 

Louise McKay, unmarried. 3. Fannie Reid, yet a child. 

Dr. McKay still prosecutes his labors in a vigorous and 
healthful old age, and receives the unbounded respect and af- 
fection of the community in which he lives, and of his minis- 
terial brethren and other parties wherever he is known. 



HON. ROBERT McKNIGHT, A.M. 

Robert McKnight was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., January 
27, 1820. His father, William McKnight, was one of the 
most esteemed and influential citizens of that city. Under 
the tuition of the Rev. Hugh McMillan, in Xenia, O., the 
son received the preliminary training which fitted him for 
Princeton College, where he entered the Freshman Class in 
the fall of 1834. He was also a member of the Cliosophic 
Society. He was under the medium height, but strong and 
muscular; full of life and vivacity; social and talkative; strong 
in his convictions and ready to maintain them ; very creditably 
studious ; and all his classmates and acquaintances were fond 
of " Bob " McKnight. An apparent failure of health caused 
him to withdraw from the class after two years, at the end of 
the Sophomore year. Having been absent from Princeton 
one year, he returned in 1837, entered the next class below 
(the Junior), and was graduated in 1839. 

After graduating he at once began the study of law in the 
office of Richard Biddle, Esq., an eminent jurist of Pitts- 
burgh, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. Soon after he 
associated himself in practice with the Hon. Henry S. Magraw 
for a number of years, and secured a large and influential 
clientage. For three years he was a member of the Pitts- 
burgh Common Council, and for two of those years was its 
President. He was elected to Congress in 1858 by the Re- 
publican party, and re-elected in i860, thus being a member 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 183 

of the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses and in 
several important congressional committees. 

Mr. McKnight was elected and ordained a ruling elder in 
The Central Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, in March, 
1857, but having transferred his membership to The North 
Church of that city in 1868, he was elected an elder there. 
He was several times sent by his Presbytery to represent it in 
The General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church. In 1862 
he was elected a Director of The Western Theological Semi- 
nary at Allegheny. He served on various important Com- 
mittees of the General Assembly and thus rendered valuable 
service to the Church. In 1884, by appointment of the As- 
sembly, he attended The Pan-Presbyterian Council at Belfast, 
as one of its commissioners. For several years he had been 
in declining health, but finally was seized with pneumonia, 
and died at his home in Allegheny, Pa., Oct. 25, 1883^ Much 
of his time during the latter years of his life was devoted to 
the management of the large Denny estates and interests. He 
was a vigorous and eloquent speaker; a conscientious and 
upright man ; of great fixedness of purpose and great indus- 
try ; very frank and sometimes even blunt in the expression 
of his views ; greatly beloved by his family and his neigh- 
bors, and an active and useful Christian. 

Mr. McKnight married, May 27, 1847, Elizabeth O'Hara 
Denny, a daughter of the Hon. Harmar Denny, of Pitts- 
burgh, and a granddaughter of James O'Hara. This lady 
is still living and residing at Allegheny, Pa. He left 
seven children, viz.: i. Harmar Denny McKnight, who lives 
at Silver City, New Mexico. 2. Woodruff McKnight, mar- 
ried to Cora Burdon of Hartford, Conn., and living at San 
Diego, Cal. 3. Kate Cassatt McKnight, living at Alle- 
gheny. 4. Bessie Denny, married to Major Thomas J. 

Gregg, U. S. A., and living at Santa Barbara, Cal. 5. 

Henry McKnight, living at Allegheny. 6. Flora, married 

to William L. Pierce, and living at Allegheny. 7. Robert 

McKnight, who died at Santa Barbara, Cal., in February, 
1889. 



184 BIOGRAPHY OF THK CLASS OF 1838. 



SAMUEI. REED. 

Samuel Reed was born in Philadelphia, Pa., September 17, 
18 18, and is the son of Moses and Elizabeth Reed of that city. 
He passed through his Freshman year at Jefferson College, 
Pa., and entered the Sophomore Class, half-advanced, about 
the beginning of the year 1836. He was a member of the 
Whig Society. He continued to be a member of the class 
until the end of the Junior year, when he withdrew from col- 
lege because of ill health. 

He entered no institution of learning afterwards, but en- 
gaged in mercantile, and later, in the commission business, in 
Philadelphia, and has continued therein to the present day. 
He has resided nearly all the time in Philadelphia and its 
vicinity. His present home is at Bryn Mawr, near the city, 
and he is in the enjoyment of very fair health. He is a Pres- 
byterian, and is both a ruling elder and a Trustee of the Pres- 
byterian Church at Bryn Mawr. 

Mr. Reed has been twice married: i. To Sarah A. Lind- 
say, daughter of John Lindsay, of Delaware County, Pa., in 

April, 1845. 2. To Mary A. Smith, daughter of R. M. 

Smith, of Delaware County, Pa., September 30, 1870. He 
has had five children, of whom two are now living, viz.: i- 
Orville Reed, who married Markel Leeds, and has one daugh- 
ter living. 2. Lillian R. Reed, unmarried, and living with 

her father. 

PETER ROUGET. 

- Peter Rouget was born at the Port of St. Pierre, in the 
Island of Guernsey, June 2, 18 19. His parents were James 
Rouget, of St. Pierre, and Judith (Cohn) Rouget. He came 
to the United States with his parents when he was about 
twelve years of age, in 1831. They settled at Manhattan- 
ville, N. Y., a village eight miles north of the New York 
City Hall, and now within the city limits, while the son found 
employment in his uncle's store, in New York. He after- 



PRINCKTON COLLEGE. 185 

ward received his preparation for college in a school in Rah- 
way, N. J. 

Mr. Rouget entered Princeton College at the beginning of 
the Freshman Class, in 1834, and became a Clio. He was a 
man of medium height and rather stoutly built. His move- 
ments, his tone of voice, his words, his look ; the whole ex- 
pression of his countenance, may be fully characterized by 
two words : gentleness and kindness. This impression of 
him, unseen for over fifty years, is as distinct as if we had 
seen him yesterday. Yet, underneath this great gentleness 
of manner, there lay hidden not a little moral and intellectual 
force and firmness. In the three years during which he was 
our classmate, we never knew him, even under great provo- 
cation, to .say or do a wrong thing, or heard of his doing one. 
If we were asked to-day to say what he was most like, we 
would answer : " Like the blessed Christ when he ^as on 
earth," He continued a member of the class until the end of 
the Junior year, then withdrew on account of failure of 
health. 

On leaving college Mr. Rouget at once betook himself to 
his chosen occupation — that of teaching, and to this he gave 
his whole remaining life. During the first six years, 1837- 
43, he taught at New Utrecht, on Long Island ; all the re- 
mainder of his life in Brooklyn, N. Y. During the last 
thirty-seven years of his life he was Principal of Public 
School No. 10 in that city. Here, in quiet and steadfast de- 
votion to his loved work, the even tenor of his life flowed on 
uneventfully, leaving no changes or striking facts for us to 
record until the last great change came. He died in Brook- 
lyn on January 2, 1885, of cancer of the stomach. He was 
buried in Greenwood Cemetery, and over his resting-place ap- 
pears this modest but most truthful epitaph : 

Patient in Suffering ; 
Triumphant in death. 

PEACE. 

For twenty-five years he served as a ruling elder and dea- 
con in The Twelfth Street Reformed Dutch Church of Brook- 



186 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CI.ASS OF 1 838. 

lyn, and was for eleven consecutive years Superintendent of 
its Sabbath-School. During the remainder of his life in 
Brooklyn he was connected with the First Reformed Dutch 
Church on Joralemon Street, of which he was an elder at the 
time of his death. 

Mr. Rouget was twice married, i. At New Utrecht, 
Long Island, N. Y , March 28, 1842, to Rebecca Van Nuyse. 

She died January 20, 1875. 2. On December 25, 1877, to 

Johanna Van Nuyse, who still resides in Brooklyn. His two 
wives were both daughters of Wilhelm Van Nuyse, of New 
Utrecht. He left four sons and three daughters, all of whom 
reside in Brooklyn. They are : i. James Rouget, married to 

Jane A. Leighton. 2. Adolph Rouget, married Mary A. 

Johnson. 3. William E. Rouget, married Ella Selwyn. 

4. Margaret E., married Richard B. Treacy. 5. Pas- 
cal Rouget, unmarried. 6. Adelle Tucker, now the widow 

of Frederic A. Tucker. 7, Susan Van Nuyse Rouget, un- 
married. 

Immediately after the death of Mr. Rouget, one of the lead- 
ing newspapers of Brooklyn bore this testimony concerning 
him : 

"Mr. Rouget has been Principal of Public School No. 10 for thirty- 
seven years. In attainments, in tact, in address, in the wise temper and 
zeal of the instructor, he has, during that long period, held his position 
with universally recognized fidelity and success. He might have chosen 
a business which would have guaranteed him great material wealth; he 
might have followed a calling which would have given him wider fame ; 
but in no profession could he have touched so many lives with whole- 
some inspirations, have helped to form the character of a greater number 
of people, and so have affected the fortune of the City and the State in 
a broader way, than in the indispensable, perhaps the most honorable 
and useful, profession of teacher.'' 

The Consistory of The First Reformed Dutch Church of 
Brooklyn, of which he was an elder, unanimously adopted 
resolutions, of which the following weighty words formed a 
part : 

"We bear our eager and unanimous testimony to his pure and ele- 
vated character; his useful, honored and spiritual life; the wisdom of 
his counsels and the grace and gentleness of his address ; his fidelity to 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 187 

every Christian duty and his zealous devotion to our Master's cause ; 
his consistent walk and shining example, for the many years which he 
was permitted to spend among us.'' 

At a meeting of " The Principals' Association of The De- 
partment of Education, in Brooklyn," held soon after Mr. 
Rouget's death, one Principal said : 

"I have been impressed with the calm, steady way in which Mr. 
Rouget bore himself when he knew that his end was near at hand. It 
was my privilege to be the last one of our number to see and converse 
with him before his death. He said to me that his earthly work was 
over. He displayed marked courage as he spoke to me of his future 
life. His only regret was to part with those who had been dear to him 
on earth." 

Another Principal said of him : 

" He was one of the most honored teachers in Brooklyn. F<|r many 
years he has been at the front of the corps of principals in this city, and 
we all felt that he worthily and ably filled the place," 

Another said : 

" One of his chief characteristics was his exceeding goodness of 
heart." Another said: "He was a pure-minded, heavenly man.'' 
Another: " He was a man whom to know was to love. We never knew 
a man look death so squarely in the face." 

And, in a similar strain, spake others of the Principals 
present. 



GEORGE WIIvI^IAM BOZMAN SATTERFIEIvD. 

George William Bozman Satterfield was born in Eden- 
ton, N. C, in the year 1820. His parents were William and 
Elizabeth (Bozman) Satterfield. 

He came to Princeton College in the fall of 1834 and joined 
the Freshman Class and the Cliosophic Society. He was 
agreeable and gentlemanly in his manners, and amiable and 
kind in disposition, but did not apply himself to study and 
was somewhat dissipated in his habits. He finally left college 
at the end of his Freshman year. 



188 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CIvASS OF 1 838. 

On returning to his home in Edenton he studied law, was 
admitted to the bar and practiced for some years in Edenton 
and adjoining counties. Afterwards he engaged in mercan- 
tile business in his native place and became engaged in spec- 
ulation, which ended disadvantageously, and he is said to 
have become dissipated. About the year 1856 he removed 
from North Carolina to Louisiana whither one or more 
brothers had preceded him. He did not practice law after 
his removal, but engaged in farming in Avoyelles Parish. 
Probably he also engaged for awhile in teaching. During the 
civil war of 186 1-5 he served in an infantry regiment from 
New Orleans, but on account of his bad eyesight and his age 
he was not kept long in active service. A friend of his in 
Louisiana writes : " He was a man of kind, good heart, full of 
energy and fond of visiting. I do not think he had an enemy. 
He was liked very much by everybody." He died on the 
Atchafalaya River, in Point Coupe Parish, La., of typhoid fever, 
in July, 1878. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. 

Some years before going to Louisiana Mr. Satterfield mar- 
ried Miss Mary Ann Reddick. She accompanied him to 
Louisiana and died there about 1859. He left three children: 
I. William Edward Satterfield, a planter, married and living 
at New Iberia, La. 2. Alice Estelle, married Sumter Tay- 
lor, and lives at Washington, La. 3. Mary Ann Satter- 
field, unmarried, and living at New Iberia, La, 

HUDSON S. SNEEDEN. 

Hudson S. Sneeden, son of Israel Sneeden, a hardware 
merchant of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in that place about 
1 8 19. He acquired his preparatory education in the Academy 
at Newburgh, and then he came to Princeton College in 1835, 
becoming a member of the Sophomore Class and of the Clio- 
sophic Society. He was in stature short, in intellect peculiarly 
bright, and in manners attractive. But he was indolent and 
averse from study. He remained in College but a single year, 
leaving at the end of the last Sophomore term. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 189 

The remainder of his story is short and very sad. We give 
it in the words of a rehable correspondent. 

" On his return from College he was the occasion of great 
anxiety to his parents. He seemed disinclined to enter upon 
any regular business, and showed a disposition to dissipation. 
Ere long he became an habitual drunkard. On the outbreak of 
the California Gold Fever in 1849, he went to California, and 
never returned to Newburgh. It was learned that about 
twenty-five years ago (about 1863) he died, a common drunk- 
ard, in one of the Western States." 

A friend writes from Newburgh, N. Y., — " He never mar- 
ried, and my informant knows of no surviving relative of 
his." 

SAMUEIv GRIFFIN CAMPBElvL STEWART. 

% 

Samuel Griffin Campbell Stewart was born at Williams- 
burg, Va., December 28, 18 19. His parents were Ferdinand 
Stewart Campbell Stewart, Professor of Mathematics in William 
and Mary College, at Williamsburg, and Elizabeth Corbin (Grif- 
fin) Stewart. He was prepared for college under private tutors. 

He entered Princeton College in 1834, uniting with the 
Freshman Class. He also became a Clio., yet we cannot find 
his name in the printed catalogue of that Society. He 
remained in college only through the Freshman year, when 
he was withdrawn in order to accompany his mother to 
Europe, where he traveled a number of years. 

He never afterwards became a member of any literary 
institution, and on his return from Europe engaged in no pro- 
fession or occupation until i860 when he entered into partner- 
ship with Mr. John R. Savage, under the style of Savage & 
Stewart, for manufacturing chemicals at Frankford, Philadel- 
phia. In this firm he continued until 1872, when he retired, 
and afterwards led a life of quiet and leisure. He died April 
3, 1888, suddenly, from a third stroke of apoplexy. He was 
an attendant upon the Protestant Episcopal Church and a 
baptized member of it. 

Mr. Stewart married, June 26, 185 1, Caroline Clement 



190 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

Greeves, daughter of Henry Greeves of Philadelphia. This 
lady is still living He left five children, viz. : i. Archibald 

Campbell Stewart, unmarried, and living in Philadelphia. 

2. Leroy Griffin Stewart, unmarried, and living in the same 

city. 3. Ferdinand Stewart Campbell Stewart, married 

Emma Banker and lives in San Francisco, Cal. 4. Corbin 

Griffin Stewart, married Margaretta Annette Mahan, and lives 

at Louisiana, Mo. 5. Clementina, married David Cameron 

Lennox, and lives in Philadelphia. 



HENRY PORTKRKIKI.D TAYI^OR. 

Henry PoRTERFiELD Taylor was born October 10, 18 17, 
in Richmond, Va. His parents were Colonel Edmund Tay- 
lor and Frances Ann (Richardson) Taylor. His father died 
while he was yet a child. His mother afterwards married 
the Rev. James W, Douglass, and Henry was thus an inmate 
of his stepfather's home, and was reared under his benignant 
influence. He was prepared for college at Donaldson Acade- 
my in Fayetteville, N. C, where his stepfather was pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church. He was then at Hampden Sidney 
College, Virginia, for a short time, and then at Washington 
College, Virginia, two years. 

Mr. Taylor came to Princeton in the fall of 1835 and en- 
tered the Sophomore Class. He also became a member of 
the Whig Society, although his name cannot be found in that 
Society's catalogue of 1883, but is in that of 1840. He was 
grave and serious, a consistent and devout Christian ; yet 
bright and attractive, diligent in study, firm in purpose, and a 
great reader. His college course was cut short by ill health 
as well as by the death of his stepfather, the Rev. James W. 
Douglass, which occurred at Fayetteville, N. C, September 5, 
1837. That event made it necessary for him to return to that 
place and care for his mother and his aged grandmother. 
They all soon after returned to their former home in Virginia. 

After leaving college Mr. Taylor studied medicine at Rich- 
mond Medical College two sessions, but was again obliged to 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 191 

break off because of ill health. He now devoted himself 
ardently to the work of teaching. He taught a High English 
and Classical School in Richmond, Va., for twelve years 
(1848-60) with much success. For many years before his 
death he was in feeble health, but died, November 26, 1887, 
after a few days illness, from pneumonia. He was buried in 
the beautiful Hollywood Cemetery at Richmond. He made 
a public profession of religion in the ninth year of his age and 
united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he continued 
to be an eminently consistent and shining member until his 
death. His death was so calm and beautiful that the eminent 
Richmond physician who attended him remarked : " None 
but a Christian could die as he died." 

Mr. Taylor married, April 25, 1842, Cornelia Storrs, 
youngest daughter of Gervas Storrs, Esq., of Hunslet Hall, 
Henrico County, Va. This lady still lives in Richmond. He 
left five daughters and three sons, viz.: i. Paulina Storrs, who 
married the Rev. Dr. Wharton, now Professor in William and 
Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. 2. Emily Morris Tay- 
lor, unmarried and living with her mother in Richmond, Va. 

3. Cornelia Storrs, unmarried, and living in Richmond. 

4. Mary Boiling, an invalid, also lives with her mother in 

Richmond. 5. William Barret Taylor, married Elizabeth 

McCaw Boggs and is living in Salem, N. C. 6. Rebecca 

Sidney, married Lewis Cass Adair, of Red Sulphur Springs, 

W. Va., and now resides in Richmond. 7. Jacquelin Plumer, 

married Sallie D. Marshall, of Kentucky, and lives at Winston, 

N. C. 8. Henry Porterfield, married Mary Giles Robins, 

and lives in Richmond. 



MORREI.I. VAN GIESEN. 

MORRELL Van Giesen was born in New York City, Feb. 
II, 1818. His parents were Marcellus M. and Catharine 
(Van Blarcom) Van Giesen. He was prepared for college at 
Union Hall Academy in Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y., under 
the tuition of Henry Onderdonk, Jr. 



192 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1838. 

He entered Princeton College in the fall of 1834, joining 
the Freshman Class and the Cliosophic Society. He was 
under medium size, delicate in appearance, fastidiously neat 
in his dress, extremely good-natured, prone to fun and mis- 
chief, and strongly indisposed to study. Throughout his 
course he was one of the lowest in his class in point of 
scholarship. When he was called on to recite, especially in 
mathematics, there was a general expectation that something 
amusing was about to happen. He remained with his class 
nearly the whole four years, but within a few weeks of the 
Final Examination of the Senior Class, he quietly withdrew, 
and he now very candidly declares the reason to have been 
that " he feared he could not pass the examination in mathe- 
matics." 

After leaving college he never pursued his studies any fur- 
ther, but, being in easy circumstances financially, retired to a 
farm near Geneva, N. Y., and made farming his business 
through the whole of his uneventful life until recently. He 
now enjoys " otiuni cum dignitate " in the same pleasant and 
thriving city. He writes that he has never received any title 
or any office of any kind, and that he took no part in the 
civil war of 1 861-5. So completely has he been hidden from 
the view of his classmates for fifty years that it was with great 
difficulty and only after very persistent efforts he was discov- 
ered. When he received the writer's first letter it elicited a 
response from which we quote the following : " I am the 
Morrell Van Giesen who was at Princeton College in the 
class of 1838. Doctor Carnahan was President, and Dr. John 
Maclean Vice-President, and Professor Dod was Professor of 
Mathematics. I am very glad to hear from you, for it brings 
to memory what nice times I had when I was there. I thank 
you for your ' warm hand of old friendship.' " We are glad 
to add that for many years Mr. Van Giesen has been a con- 
sistent member of the First Presbyterian Church in Geneva. 

He married, April 20, 1848, Jane Wilson, daughter of 
James Wilson, at Geneva, N. Y, She died Jan. 16, 1888. 
He has three living children, viz.: i. Marcellus M. Van 
Giesen, unmarried, and living at Minneapolis, Minn. 2. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 193 

William W. Van Giesen, married Sallie Dermott, and is living 

in Geneva. 3. Jennie W. Van Giesen, unmarried, is living 

with her father at Geneva. 



REV. JAMES ADDISON WADDEEL, M.D., D.D. 

James Addison Waddell, son of Lyttelton Waddell and 
Elizabeth (Edmondson) Waddell, was born in Staunton, Va., 
November 26, 18 17, and was prepared for college under the 
instruction of his father. 

He entered the Junior Class at Princeton College in 1837, 
and became a member of the Whig Society. He is yet living, 
and has sent to the writer the following recollections of his 
college life in Princeton : 

" My father, who was a brother of Mrs. Dr. Archibald Alexander, 
took me to college as a very green youth in 1837. I roomed at the top 
of the new West College with George C. Jones, of Delaware. We were 
hard students, and made few acquaintances. Sam Alexander was a 
very affectionate fellow, and was often at my room ; his brother, Henry 
M. Alexander, also. John H. Rice, as well as Sam Alexander, spent 
much time there. John was a great reader, and prepared more fully 
for his Whig exercises than for his class recitations. I remember you^'' 
[the writer] "well. I photographed you once (mentally), when you 
scored some young fellow for pronouncing topic as toe-pick. I have 
faint recollections of Newbold, Hornblower, Sawyer, WoodhuU and 
others. Lewis Perrine is distinctly remembered, not merely in appear- 
ance, but as a most lovable man. I have often wished 1 could meet 
him." 

But Mr. Waddell stayed with his class only five months. 
In the following vacation he was seized at home by an illness 
so prolonged as to forbid his return. Having recovered, he 
spent one year — 1839-40 — at the University of Virginia, and 
was graduated there, after which he studied medicine with 
his uncle, Addison Waddell, M.D., in Staunton, and then at 
the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania at 
Philadelphia, from which institution he received the degree of 
M.D. in 1842. He practiced his profession for some time, 
but found it distasteful, and went to teaching. He taught for 
13 



194 HISTORY OF THE CLASS OV 1 838. 

some years in Staunton, and afterwards at Union, Monroe 
County, Virginia (now West Virginia). 

He at last summoned courage to enter the ministry, — a 
profession for which he had long felt a strong desire. He 
studied theology privately under the Rev. Samuel R. Hous- 
ton, D.D., and was ordained as an Evangelist by the Presby- 
tery of East Hanover May 17, 1868. He spent six years — 
1873-79 — in Lexington, Va., as Principal of The Ann Smith 
Academy, The remainder of his life, since his ordination, 
has been spent in preaching to several churches in that part 
of the State. On November 27, 1881, he was installed as 
pastor of the two churches of Olivet and Bethany, which po- 
sition he still holds, his post-office address being Roxbury, 
Charles City County, Va. He received the degree of D.D. 
in 1888 from Washington and Lee University, Virginia. 

As a writer and preacher Dr. Waddell is confessedly a very 
able man, and is listened to with delight by people of the 
highest culture. But his voice, his manner and his extreme 
modesty have prevented his becoming a widely popular and 
attractive preacher. He has contributed many articles to The 
Southern Presbyterian Review, and writes much for various 
religious journals. 

He married, August 7, 1849, Susanna C. Gordon, of Rich- 
mond, Va., who is still living. They have no children. 



ISAAC WATTS WELIvING. 

Isaac W. Welling was born at Pennington, N. J., about 
18 17, and was the son of Charles Welling, and of Mary Sex- 
ton of that place. He was prepared for College at the Law- 
renceville High School under the Rev. Isaac V. Brown, D.D., 
and Mr. A. H. Phillips. 

He entered college in the fall of 1835, joining the Sopho- 
more Class and the Whig Society. He was a man of magni- 
ficent physique, tall, strongly built, and of great personal 
dignity. He remained with the class of 1838 only to the end 
of its Sophomore year, when, from considerations connected 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 195 

with his health, he withdrew. Afterwards he joined the next 
class below, and was graduated in 1839. 

After his graduation he commenced the study of law under 
the Hon. William Halsted in Trenton, N J., but very soon 
thereafter became insane and was sent to the Lunatic Asylum 
at Brattleboro', Vermont, where he remained twenty years. 
Thence he was removed to the State Lunatic Asylum at 
Trenton, N. J., where he died, July 13, 1887, of " Fatty De- 
generation of the Heart," and was buried in the Presbyterian 
Cemetery, of Pennington, N. J., his native place. 

Mr. Welling's insanity was of a mild type, and for many 
years while at Brattleboro' and Trenton he was an ardent 
student, and became the best of authority on many subjects, 
especially those of a historical character. He was constantly 
consulted when dates and important historical events were to 
be chronicled. ^ 

He was never married. 



WILIvlAM HENRY WINTHROP. 

William Henry Winthrop was born in New London, 
Conn., May 8, 18 19, and was the son of William Henry and 
Margaret Ann (Parkin) Winthrop. His final preparation for 
college was made at the Academy in Princeton, N. J., under 
the Rev. Charles C. Sears. 

He entered Princeton College in the fall of 1834, joining the 
Freshman Class and the Cliosophic Society. As we write, a 
distinct vision of him comes up before us. He was under 
medium height, but decidedly stout, thick-set and muscular, 
and excelled in all games requiring both strength and skill. 
He was cheerful, social, talkative, and very moderately ad- 
dicted to study. He was a member of the class three years, 
and left it at the end of the Junior year — " disliking College 
life," as he writes, "and its confinement disagreeing with him." 
He entered no other institution of learning afterward. 

In regard to Mr. Winthrop's subsequent history, we will 
quote his own words. . He writes : 



196 BIOGRAPHY OF THE CLASS OF 1 838. 

" For a year after leaving College, I made New London my home, 
doing little or nothing worth mentioning. After that, I went to Chicago, 
in September, 1839, ^^'^ remained there nearly a year, during which 
time I was an officer on board a schooner freighting between Chicago, 
St. Josephs and other ports on the Lakes; and when navigation was 
closed in winter, making Chicago my headquarters. After returning to 
New London, for twenty-three years, up to October, 1886, I held the 
office of City Sheriff. But becoming very lame from an injury to the 
joint of my left knee, which is much affected by changes of the 
weather, and at times very painful, 1 then declined being again nomi- 
nated, and with the exception of writing for different parties occasionally, 
I have not done much since. My health, as a general thing, has been 
and is now as good as could be expected for a man nearly seventy years 
old. I have never written any book. I took no active part in the civil 
war. I was brought up in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and my 
preference is still there." 

Mr. Winthrop married, October 17, 1841, Mary Ellen Young, 
youngest daughter of William H. Young, of New London, 
Conn. She is still living. He has had twelve children, of 
whom two sons and five daughters are now living. His oldest 
son, Frederick W., is married, and resides and is engaged in 
business in Brooklyn, N. Y. His younger son, now 27 years 
of age, is living with his father. His five daughters are all 
married and living in New London. The eldest married 
Robert B. Smith; the second, Benjamin M. Carroll; the third, 
Albert Leeds ; the fourth, Nathan B. Beebe, and the fifth, Ed- 
ward A. Colby. Mr. Winthrop has sixteen grandchildren 
living, and has lost six by death. 



DABNEY CARR WIRT, ESQ. 

Dabney Carr Wirt was born in Richmond, Va., March 2, 
1817. His parents were the Hon. William Wirt, a distin- 
guished lawyer, orator and author of Virginia, and Eliza- 
beth Washington Gamble. He was prepared for college 
at the Richmond Academy, under Mr. Reynolds, an English 
man. 

Mr. Wirt came to Princeton in company with his younger 



PRINCETON COLLEGE. 197 

brother, Henry Grattan Wirt,* in the fall of 1837, and joined 
the Junior Class and the Whig Society. He was of full me- 
dium size, stoutly built, courteous, gentlemanly, dignified and 
studious. He remained through the Junior year, when his 
brother Henry's health failed, and he was advised by his phy- 
sician to seek a warmer climate. Our classmate accompanied 
his brother. 

After leaving Princeton he spent two years at the Univer- 
sity of Virginia, at Charlottesville, and, taking an elective 
course, was graduated in several branches. He also studied 
law in the Law School of that University under Professor 
Tucker. He then practiced law two years in Florida and 
two years in St. Louis, Mo., after which he removed to An- 
napolis, Md. The years 1849 and 1850 he spent in taking a 
voyage around the world. On his return he moved to West- 
moreland County, Va., and engaged in farming. In Ijtis oc- 
cupation he has been engaged ever since, and is still engaged. 

His address is " Oak Grove, Westmoreland County, Va." 
He states that he has " held no office of any kind, now or 
ever." He became a member of The First Presbyterian 
Church in Baltimore (Rev. John C. Backus, D.D., pastor), 
about 1853; but as there is no Presbyterian Church in his 
vicinity, he now attends the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Wirt married, November 19, 1855, Julia Augusta 
Washington, daughter of William Augustine Washington, of 
Westmoreland County, Va. This lady died April 24, 1888. 
He has no children. 

*The younger brother, Henry Grattan Wirt, who was one year a member of the 
Class of 1839, after leaving Princeton studied two years in The University of Vir- 
ginia, and was graduated there ; practiced medicine in Florida a number of years ; 
married there a widow, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Anderson, and died there June 26, 
1850, leaving two daughters, who are now both married and have families. 



